Decolorization of Reactive Red 2 in Fenton and Fenton-like systems: effects of ultrasound and ultraviolet irradiation

The principle of detailed balancing, the iron-catalyzed disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide, and the Fenton reaction

The iron-catalyzed disproportionation of H₂O₂ has been investigated for over a century, as has been its ability to induce the oxidation of other species present in the system (Fenton reaction). The mechanisms of these reactions have been under consideration at least since 1932. Unfortunately, little or no attention has been paid to ensuring the conformity of the proposed mechanisms and rate constants with the constraints of the principle of detailed balancing. Here we identify more than 200 publications having mechanisms that violate the principle of detailed balancing. These violations occur through the use of incorrect values for certain rate constants, the use of incorrect forms of the rate laws for certain steps in the mechanisms, and the inclusion of illegal loops. A core mechanism for the iron-catalyzed decomposition of H₂O₂ is proposed that is consistent with the principle of detailed balancing and includes both the one-electron oxidation of H₂O₂ by Fe(III) and the Fe(II) reduction of HO₂˙.

Removal of C.I. Reactive Red 2 by low pressure UV/chlorine advanced oxidation

Azo dyes are commonly found as pollutants in wastewater from the textile industry, and can cause environmental problems because of their color and toxicity. The removal of a typical azo dye named C.I. Reactive Red 2 (RR2) during low pressure ultraviolet (UV)/chlorine oxidation was investigated in this study. UV irradiation at 254nm and addition of free chlorine provided much higher removal rates of RR2 and color than UV irradiation or chlorination alone. Increasing the free chlorine dose enhanced the removal efficiency of RR2 and color by UV/chlorine oxidation. Experiments performed with nitrobenzene (NB) or benzoic acid (BA) as scavengers showed that radicals (especially OH) formed during UV/chlorine oxidation are important in the RR2 removal. Addition of HCO3(-) and Cl(-) to the RR2 solution did not inhibit the removal of RR2 during UV/chlorine oxidation.

Wastewater treatment using hybrid treatment schemes based on cavitation and Fenton chemistry: a review

Advanced oxidation processes such as cavitation and Fenton chemistry have shown considerable promise for wastewater treatment applications due to the ease of operation and simple reactor design. In this review, hybrid methods based on cavitation coupled with Fenton process for the treatment of wastewater have been discussed. The basics of individual processes (Acoustic cavitation, Hydrodynamic cavitation, Fenton chemistry) have been discussed initially highlighting the need for combined processes. The different types of reactors used for the combined processes have been discussed with some recommendations for large scale operation. The effects of important operating parameters such as solution temperature, initial pH, initial pollutant concentration and Fenton's reagent dosage have been discussed with guidelines for selection of optimum parameters. The optimization of power density is necessary for ultrasonic processes (US) and combined processes (US/Fenton) whereas the inlet pressure needs to be optimized in the case of Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) based processes. An overview of different pollutants degraded under optimized conditions using HC/Fenton and US/Fenton process with comparison with individual processes have been presented. It has been observed that the main mechanism for the synergy of the combined process depends on the generation of additional hydroxyl radicals and its proper utilization for the degradation of the pollutant, which is strongly dependent on the loading of hydrogen peroxide. Overall, efficient wastewater treatment with high degree of energy efficiency can be achieved using combined process operating under optimized conditions, as compared to the individual process.