Catalytic ozonation of phenolic wastewater with activated carbon fiber in a fluid bed reactor

Effective degradation of bentazone by two-dimensional and three-phase, three-dimensional electro-oxidation system: kinetic studies and optimization using ANN

Bentazone is a broad-leaved weed-specific herbicide in the pesticide industry. This study focused on removing bentazone from water using three different methods: a two and three-dimensional electro-oxidation process (2D/EOP and 3D/EOP) with a fluid-type reactor arrangement using tetraethylenepentamine-loaded particle electrodes and an adsorption method. Additionally, we analysed the effects of two types of supporting electrolytes  (Na2SO4 and NaCl) on the degradation process. The energy consumption amounts were calculated to evaluate the obtained results. The degradation reaction occurs 3.5 times faster in 3D/EOP than in 2D/EOP at 6 V in Na2SO4. Similarly, the degradation reaction of bentazone in NaCl occurs 2.5 times faster in 3D/EOP than in 2D/EOP at a value of 7.2 mA/cm2. Removal of bentazone is significantly better in 3D/EOPs than in 2D/EOPs. The use of particle electrodes can significantly enhance the degradation efficiency. The study further assessed the prediction abilities of the machine learning model (ANN). The ANN presented reasonable accuracy in bentazone degradation with high R2 values of 0.97953, 0.98561, 0.98563, and 0.99649 for 2D with Na2SO4, 2D with NaCl, 3D with Na2SO4, and 3D with NaCl, respectively.

Efficient flocculation pretreatment of coal gasification wastewater by halophilic bacterium Halovibrio variabilis TG-5

The isolated halophilic bacterial strain Halovibrio variabilis TG-5 showed a good performance in the pretreatment of coal gasification wastewater. With the optimum culture conditions of pH = 7, a temperature of 46 °C, and a salinity of 15%, the chemical oxygen demand and volatile phenol content of pretreated wastewater were decreased to 1721 mg/L and 94 mg/L, respectively. The removal rates of chemical oxygen demand and volatile phenol were over 90% and 70%, respectively. At the optimum salinity conditions of 15%, the total yield of intracellular compatible solutes and the extracellular transient released yield under hypotonic conditions were increased to 6.88 g/L and 3.45 g/L, respectively. The essential compatible solutes such as L-lysine, L-valine, and betaine were important in flocculation mechanism in wastewater pretreatment. This study provided a new method for pretreating coal gasification wastewater by halophilic microorganisms, and revealed the crucial roles of compatible solutes in the flocculation process.

Technology Advances in Phenol Removals: Current Progress and Future Perspectives

Phenol acts as a pollutant even at very low concentrations in water. It is classified as one of the main priority pollutants that need to be treated before being discharged into the environment. If phenolic-based compounds are discharged into the environment without any treatments, they pose serious health risks to humans, animals, and aquatic systems. This review emphasizes the development of advanced technologies for phenol removal. Several technologies have been developed to remove phenol to prevent environmental pollution, such as biological treatment, conventional technologies, and advanced technologies. Among these technologies, heterogeneous catalytic ozonation has received great attention as an effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable process for the degradation of phenolic-based compounds, which can overcome some of the disadvantages of other technologies. Recently, zeolites have been widely used as one of the most promising catalysts in the heterogeneous catalytic ozonation process to degrade phenol and its derivatives because they provide a large specific surface area, high active site density, and excellent shape-selective properties as a catalyst. Rational design of zeolite-based catalysts with various synthesis methods and pre-defined physiochemical properties including framework, ratio of silica to alumina (SiO2/Al2O3), specific surface area, size, and porosity, must be considered to understand the reaction mechanism of phenol removal. Ultimately, recommendations for future research related to the application of catalytic ozonation technology using a zeolite-based catalyst for phenol removal are also described.

Removal of Micropollutants by Ozone-Based Processes

Micropollutants and emerging substances pose a serious problem to environmental sustainability and remediation, due to their widespread use and applications in everyday life. This group of chemicals is diverse but with common toxic and harmful properties. Their concentration in the environment is often very low; however, due to their recalcitrant nature, they are persistent in air, water, and soil. From an engineering point of view, the challenge is not straightforward. It is difficult to remove these contaminants from complex mixtures of substances by conventional methods used in wastewater and drinking water treatment. Ozonation and ozone-based AOPs are accepted processes of degradation of resistant substances or at least enhancement of their biodegradability. The aim of this review paper is to present research trends aimed at solving problems in the research and application of ozone-based processes in the removal of micropollutants from wastewater, thus preventing leakage of harmful substances into surface water, soil, and groundwater and facilitating the reuse of wastewater. Priority substances, micropollutants and emerging pollutants, as well as processes and technologies for their transformation and elimination, are briefly specified. Results obtained by the authors in solving research projects that were aimed at eliminating selected micropollutants by ozonation and ozone-based AOPs are also presented. This review focuses on selected alkylphenols, petroleum substances, and organochlorine pesticides.

The Role of Catalytic Ozonation Processes on the Elimination of DBPs and Their Precursors in Drinking Water Treatment

Formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water treatment (DWT) as a result of pathogen removal has always been an issue of special attention in the preparation of safe water. DBPs are formed by the action of oxidant-disinfectant chemicals, mainly chlorine derivatives (chlorine, hypochlorous acid, chloramines, etc.), that react with natural organic matter (NOM), mainly humic substances. DBPs are usually refractory to oxidation, mainly due to the presence of halogen compounds so that advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are a recommended option to deal with their removal. In this work, the application of catalytic ozonation processes (with and without the simultaneous presence of radiation), moderately recent AOPs, for the removal of humic substances (NOM), also called DBPs precursors, and DBPs themselves is reviewed. First, a short history about the use of disinfectants in DWT, DBPs formation discovery and alternative oxidants used is presented. Then, sections are dedicated to conventional AOPs applied to remove DBPs and their precursors to finalize with the description of principal research achievements found in the literature about application of catalytic ozonation processes. In this sense, aspects such as operating conditions, reactors used, radiation sources applied in their case, kinetics and mechanisms are reviewed.

Organics removal in high strength petrochemical wastewater with combined microbubble-catalytic ozonation process

Ozonation is a well-known and widely applied advanced oxidation process (AOP) for industrial wastewater treatment, while the ozonation efficiency might be limited by low mass transfer, poor solubility, and rapid decomposition rate of ozone molecules in the aqueous phase. The present study aims to investigate the feasibility of combined microbubble-catalytic ozonation process (M-O₃/Fe/GAC) for improving the ozonation efficiency during treatment of petrochemical wastewater (PCW). M-O₃/Fe/GAC process optimization was carried out with different pH conditions, ozone dosages and catalyst loadings. The optimum operating conditions were identified as 50 mg L^-1 ozone dosage, real PCW pH (7.0-7.5) and 4 g L^-1 catalyst loading. Among different ozonation processes, M-O₃/Fe/GAC process achieved the highest chemical oxidation demand (COD) removal efficiency of 88%, which is 18% and 43% higher than those achieved by the microbubble and macrobubble ozonation processes, respectively. Phenolic compounds presented in PCW could be reduced by 63% within 15 min in M-O₃/Fe/GAC treatment process. Long-term continuous flow studies suggested M-O₃/Fe/GAC process to be the most cost-effective technology for PCW treatment with an operating cost of S$0.18 kg^-1 COD and S$0.4 m^-3 with good catalyst stability. Liquid size exclusion chromatography with organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) data suggested humic substances to be the dominant organic species in PCW, M-O₃/Fe/GAC could achieve significant humic substances removal and biodegradability enhancement in PCW. Kinetics and mechanism studies revealed that organics removal in M-O₃/Fe/GAC was 1.8 times higher than that in microbubble ozonation process, and hydroxyl radical (^●OH) was the dominant oxidant specie for organics removal in M-O₃/Fe/GAC process.

Reaction Mechanism of the Reduction of Ozone on Graphite

The kinetics of the ozonation of graphite with different particle sizes (106 μm, G₁₀₆; 6.20 μm, G_6.2) was studied at several temperatures under a flow of O₃ diluted in O₂. The reaction was first-order with respect to graphite and to the consumption of ozone. X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) showed that the reactions occurring in the solid under steady-state conditions maintain the original stoichiometry, as predicted by the postulated mechanism for SO₂. The deoxygenation reaction occurred along with the ozonation reaction at 100 °C. The rate of oxygen elimination in the flow system has the same rate-determining kinetic barrier as ozone insertion. Ozonation and deoxygenation reactions are sequentially related. Ozonation occurs with the insertion of O₃, forming a 1,2,3-trioxolane followed by an oxygen transfer that produces a peroxide valence tautomer in equilibrium with 1,3-dicarbonyl, [peroxide ↔ dicarbonyl], and an oxirene that eliminates atomic oxygen. The decarboxylation reaction was studied at 600 °C from the ozonated G₁₀₆ (ΔG^≠ = 83.60 ± 0.08 kcal·mol^-1). Total decarboxylation at 600 °C matched the number of moles of CO₂ removed and the oxygen content after ozonation, showing that the reduction of ozone on graphite was essentially a clean reduction with no secondary oxidations. When ozonized graphite was heated to 600 °C, only [peroxide ↔ dicarbonyl] species remained in the matrix. The peroxide tautomer isomerized to dioxirane and eliminated CO₂ as a dioxicarbene. Total deoxygenation of decarboxylated graphite G₁₀₆ was obtained by pyrolysis. There was residual oxygen that arose from the atomic oxygen eliminated from the oxirene, intercalated in graphite layers, and formed basal epoxy groups. Also, incoming O atoms reacted with the intercalated O atoms to produce O₂ molecules. Thermal annealing deintercalated molecular oxygen (600-900 °C).

Analysis of the effect of the operational conditions in a combined adsorption–ozonation process with granular activated carbon for the treatment of phenol wastewater

Analysis of phenol ozonation using a G–L–S model: through mass transfer, chemical reaction and adsorption parameters.

Use of zeolites for macronutrients removal from wastewater

Natural or synthetic zeolites have unique physical, chemical and structural properties that predetermine their use in many processes, including wastewater treatment. This study presents the results of our preliminary research in the field of nitrogen and phosphorus removal using adsorption and adsorptive ozonation with natural and modified zeolites. Iron-modified zeolite was the most efficient for the removal of ammonium nitrogen by adsorption. Phosphorus removal efficiency using adsorption was relatively low and natural zeolite was not suitable for the phosphorus removal at all. Ozone had no significant impact on the removal efficiency. Regeneration of loaded zeolites with ozone has also been studied. This method was partly efficient but it needs be further examined.

Catalytic Ozonation of Recalcitrant Organic Chemicals in Water Using Vanadium Oxides Loaded ZSM-5 Zeolites

The discharge of wastewater having recalcitrant chemical compositions can have significant and adverse environmental effects. The present study investigates the application of a catalytic ozonation treatment for the removal of recalcitrant organic chemicals (ROCs) from the water. Novel catalytic materials using vanadium (V) oxides deposited onto the surface of NaZSM-5 zeolites (V/ZSM) were found to be highly efficient for this purpose. The highly-dispersed V oxides (V4+ and V5+) and Si-OH-Al framework structures were determined to promote the surface reaction and generation of hydroxyl radicals. The constructed V1/ZSM450 (0.7 wt% of V loading and 450°C of calcination) exhibited the highest activity among the developed catalyst compositions. The V1/ZSM450-COP increased the mineralization rate of nitrobenzene and benzoic acid by 50 and 41% in comparison to single ozonation. This study demonstrates the enhanced potential of V/ZSM catalysts used with catalytic ozonation process (COP) for the treatment of chemical wastewaters.

Metal-free carbon materials-catalyzed sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes: A review on heterogeneous catalysts and applications

In recent years, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), especially sulfate radical based AOPs have been widely used in various fields of wastewater treatment due to their capability and adaptability in decontamination. Recently, metal-free carbon materials catalysts in sulfate radical production has been more and more concerned because these materials have been demonstrated to be promising alternatives to conventional metal-based catalysts, but the review of metal-free catalysts is rare. The present review outlines the current state of knowledge on the generation of sulfate radical using metal-free catalysts including carbon nanotubes, graphene, mesoporous carbon, activated carbon, activated carbon fiber, nanodiamond. The mechanism such as the radical pathway and non-radical pathway, and factors influencing of the activation of sulfate radical was also be revealed. Knowledge gaps and research needs have been identified, which include the perspectives on challenges related to metal-free catalyst, heterogeneous metal-free catalyst/persulfate systems and their potential in practical environmental remediation.

Activated carbon fiber for heterogeneous activation of persulfate: implication for the decolorization of azo dye

Activated carbon fiber (ACF) was used as a green catalyst to activate persulfate (PS) for oxidative decolorization of azo dye. ACF demonstrated a higher activity than activated carbon (AC) to activate PS to decolorize Orange G (OG). The decolorization efficiency of OG increased as ACF loading, PS dosage, and temperature increased. OG decolorization followed a pseudo first-order kinetics, and the activation energy was 40.902 kJ/mol. pH had no apparent effect on OG decolorization. Radical quenching experiments with various radical scavengers (e.g., alcohols, phenol) showed that radical-induced decolorization of OG took place on the surface of ACF, and both SO4 (·-) and HO· were responsible for OG decolorization. The impact of inorganic salts was also evaluated because they are important compositions of dye wastewater. Cl(-) and SO4 (2-) exhibited a promoting effect on OG decolorization, and the accelerating rate increased with elevating dosage of ions. Addition of Cl(-) and SO4 (2-) could increase the adsorption of OG on ACF surface, thus favorable for OG decolorization caused by the surface-bound SO4 (·-) and HO·. Conversely, HCO3 (-) and humic acid (HA) slightly inhibited OG decolorization. The azo band and naphthalene ring on OG were remarkably destructed to other intermediates and finally mineralized to CO2 and H2O.

Fabrication and testing of zirconium-based nanoparticle-doped activated carbon fiber for enhanced arsenic removal in water

A Zr-nanoparticle-doped ACF from this study shows a great potential for removal of arsenic from contaminated groundwater.

Applicability of fluidized bed reactor in recalcitrant compound degradation through advanced oxidation processes: a review

Treatment of industrial waste water (e.g. textile waste water, phenol waste water, pharmaceutical etc) faces limitation in conventional treatment procedures. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) do not suffer from the limits of conventional treatment processes and consequently degrade toxic pollutants more efficiently. Complexity is faced in eradicating the restrictions of AOPs such as sludge formation, toxic intermediates formation and high requirement for oxidants. Increased mass-transfer in AOPs is an alternate solution to this problem. AOPs combined with Fluidized bed reactor (FBR) can be a potential choice compared to fixed bed or moving bed reactor, as AOP catalysts life-span last for only maximum of 5-10 cycles. Hence, FBR-AOPs require lesser operational and maintenance cost by reducing material resources. The time required for AOP can be minimized using FBR and also treatable working volume can be increased. FBR-AOP can process from 1 to 10 L of volume which is 10 times more than simple batch reaction. The mass transfer is higher thus the reaction time is lesser. For having increased mass transfer sludge production can be successfully avoided. The review study suggests that, optimum particle size, catalyst to reactor volume ratio, catalyst diameter and liquid or gas velocity is required for efficient FBR-AOP systems. However, FBR-AOPs are still under lab-scale investigation and for industrial application cost study is needed. Cost of FBR-AOPs highly depends on energy density needed and the mechanism of degradation of the pollutant. The cost of waste water treatment containing azo dyes was found to be US$ 50 to US$ 500 per 1000 gallons where, the cost for treating phenol water was US$ 50 to US$ 800 per 1000 gallons. The analysis for FBR-AOP costs has been found to depend on the targeted pollutant, degradation mechanism (zero order, 1st order and 2nd order) and energy consumptions by the AOPs.

Simulation for supporting scale-up of a fluidized bed reactor for advanced water oxidation

Simulation of fluidized bed reactor (FBR) was accomplished for treating wastewater using Fenton reaction, which is an advanced oxidation process (AOP). The simulation was performed to determine characteristics of FBR performance, concentration profile of the contaminants, and various prominent hydrodynamic properties (e.g., Reynolds number, velocity, and pressure) in the reactor. Simulation was implemented for 2.8 L working volume using hydrodynamic correlations, continuous equation, and simplified kinetic information for phenols degradation as a model. The simulation shows that, by using Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ mixtures as catalyst, TOC degradation up to 45% was achieved for contaminant range of 40–90 mg/L within 60 min. The concentration profiles and hydrodynamic characteristics were also generated. A subsequent scale-up study was also conducted using similitude method. The analysis shows that up to 10 L working volume, the models developed are applicable. The study proves that, using appropriate modeling and simulation, data can be predicted for designing and operating FBR for wastewater treatment.

Magnetic heterogeneous catalytic ozonation: a new removal method for phenol in industrial wastewater

In this study, a new strategy in catalytic ozonation removal method for degradation of phenol from industrial wastewater was investigated. Magnetic carbon nano composite as a novel catalyst was synthesized, characterized and then used in the catalytic ozonation process (COP) and compared with the single ozonation process (SOP). The influential parameters were all investigated. The results showed that the removal efficiency of phenol and COD (chemical oxygen demand) in COP (98.5%, 69.8%) was higher than those of SOP (78.7%, 50.5%) and the highest catalytic potential was achieved at optimal neutral pH. First order modeling demonstrated that the reactions were dependent on the concentration of catalyst, with kinetic constants varying from 0.023 1/min (catalyst = 0 g/L) to 0.071 1/min (catalyst = 4 g/L), whereby the optimum dosage of catalyst was found to be 2 g/L. Furthermore, the catalytic properties of the catalyst remained almost unchanged after 5-time reuse. The results regarding the biodegradability of the effluent showed that a 5-min reaction time in COP reduced the concentrations of phenol and COD to the acceptable levels for the efficient post-treatment in the SBR in a 4-h cycle period. Finally, this combined system is proven to be a technically effective method for treating phenolic contaminants.

Catalytic Ozonation of Phenolic Wastewater: Identification and Toxicity of Intermediates

A new strategy in catalytic ozonation removal method for degradation and detoxification of phenol from industrial wastewater was investigated. Magnetic carbon nanocomposite, as a novel catalyst, was synthesized and then used in the catalytic ozonation process (COP) and the effects of operational conditions such as initial pH, reaction time, and initial concentration of phenol on the degradation efficiency and the toxicity assay have been investigated. The results showed that the highest catalytic potential was achieved at optimal neutral pH and the removal efficiency of phenol and COD is 98.5% and 69.8%, respectively. First-order modeling demonstrated that the reactions were dependent on the initial concentration of phenol, with kinetic constants varying from 0.038 min−1  ([phenol]o= 1500 mg/L) to 1.273 min−1([phenol]o= 50 mg/L). Bioassay analysis showed that phenol was highly toxic toDaphnia magna(LC5096 h=5.6 mg/L). Comparison of toxicity units (TU) of row wastewater (36.01) and the treated effluent showed that TU value, after slightly increasing in the first steps of ozonation for construction of more toxic intermediates, severely reduced at the end of reaction (2.23). Thus, COP was able to effectively remove the toxicity of intermediates which were formed during the chemical oxidation of phenolic wastewaters.

A Much-Needed Mechanism and Reaction Rate for the Oxidation of Phenols with ClO2: A Joint Experimental and Computational Study

The oxidation of phenols with chlorine dioxide, a powerful means to eliminate phenol pollutants from drinking water, is explored. Kinetic experiments reveal that 2,4,6-trichlorophenol exhibits a lower oxidation rate than other phenols because the chlorine atoms (σ = 0.22) at ortho and para-positions decrease the benzene’s electron density, in agreement with the Hammett plot. The oxidation of phenol was found to be second order with respect to phenol and first order with respect to ClO2 and a possible mechanism is proposed. The phenol/ClO2 oxidation was found to be pH-dependent since the reaction rate constant increases with increasing pH. The oxidation rate was also significantly enhanced with an increasing methanol ratio in water. The oxidation products, such as benzoquinones, were analysed and confirmed by liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Density functional theory computations at both the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) and M06-2X.6-311+G(d,p) levels with the SCRF-PCM solvation model (i.e. with water) further supported the proposed mechanisms in which activation barriers predicted the right reactivity trend as shown by the kinetic experiments.

Preparation and characterization of a biochar from pistachio hull biomass and its catalytic potential for ozonation of water recalcitrant contaminants

This work introduces a biochar as novel catalyst prepared from the pistachio hull, and demonstrates its catalytic potential for degrading the reactive red 198 (RR198) dye in catalytic ozonation processes (COPs). The prepared pistachio hull biochar (PHB) was a macroporous, basic material with low specific surface area. PHB had the greatest catalytic potential at an optimal alkaline pH of 10. Significant catalytic potential was observed when PHB was added to the ozonation reactor; a 58.4% catalytic potential was obtained in the decolorization of RR198 in the COP with 0.2g of catalyst after a reaction time of 60 min. A 71% mineralization (TOC reduction) of the dye solution was observed in the COP after a reaction time of 60 min. Overall, it can be concluded from the experimental results that the PHB is a promising and affordable catalyst for use in COPs for treatment of resistant organic compounds.

Microstructure evolution and advanced performance of Mn3O4 nanomorphologies

Mn(3)O(4) morphologies with tetragonal single-crystal nanostructures including nanoparticles, nanorods and nanofractals were successfully prepared by a widely applicable chemical reaction route. The morphologies were synthesized using the reactants MnCl(2)·4H(2)O, H(2)O(2), and NaOH in a suitable surfactant and alkaline solution. The dripping speed of the NaOH solution plays an important role in the microstructure evolution of Mn(3)O(4) morphologies. The difference in the dripping speed of NaOH solutions leads to different Mn(3)O(4) nanomorphologies, which are called nanoparticles, nanorods and nanofractals. The average grain size of the Mn(3)O(4) nanoparticles ranged from a few to several tens of nanometers. The Mn(3)O(4) nanorods were smooth, straight, and the geometrical shape was structurally perfect. Their lengths ranged from several hundred nanometers to a few micrometers, and their diameters ranged from 10 nm to 30 nm. The fractal branches of the Mn(3)O(4) nanofractals were a few micrometers in length and several hundred nanometers in width. The catalytic properties of these Mn(3)O(4) nanomorphologies for the degradation of phenol were evaluated in detail. The results indicated that the Mn(3)O(4) nanofractals possess remarkable catalytic activity for the degradation of phenol in water treatment.

The investigation of catalytic ozonation and integrated catalytic ozonation/biological processes for the removal of phenol from saline wastewaters

The effectiveness of the catalytic ozonation process (COP) with a GAC catalyst was assessed based on the degradation and COD removal of phenol from the saline wastewater, as compared with the single ozonation process (SOP). The COP attained a much higher level of phenol degradation compared to the SOP. The influence of several variables was investigated, including pH of solution, NaCl concentration, and dosage of GAC, for their effects on COP phenol degradation in a synthetic saline wastewater. The maximum degradation of phenol was achieved at pH 8 and 20 g/L GAC. NaCl had no adverse effect on phenol removal at ranges between 0.5 and 50 g/L. The activated carbon acted mostly as a catalyst for ozone decomposition, and the subsequent generation of hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, the GAC preserved its catalytic properties after 5 times reuse. The capability of a biological process to treat COP effluent was also investigated. Results showed that a 10 min reaction time in COP under optimum conditions reduces the concentrations of phenol and COD to an acceptable level for efficient post-treating in a suspended growth bioreactor at a short aeration time of 4h. Thus, the integration of COP with a biological process is proven to be a technically and economically effective method for treating saline wastewaters containing recalcitrant compounds.

Effectiveness of different oxidizing agents for removing sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate in aqueous systems

The present study investigates the efficacy of various oxidizing treatments (ClO(-), ClO(2), KMnO(4), O(3), O(3)/H(2)O(2), O(3)/activated carbon) to remove from waters sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate (SDBS), considered as model surfactant. Results obtained show that the use of ClO(-) and ClO(2) does not cause appreciable SDBS degradation. Additionally, in the case of ClO(-), trihalomethanes are generated, increasing system toxicity. Because the reaction kinetics between SDBS and KMnO(4) is very slow, a decrease in contaminant concentration is not observed, even at very acid pH values. SDBS reactivity with ozone is very low, with a kinetic constant (k(O)(3)) of 3.68 M(-1)s(-1), but its reactivity with HO() radicals is very high (k(OH)=1.16 x 10(10)M(-1)s(-1)), therefore O(3)/H(2)O(2) and O(3)/activated carbon, which can also generate HO(), appear as promising advanced oxidation processes to remove this contaminant from waters. The method based on ozone and activated carbon was the only process studied that produced both an increase in SDBS removal rate (due to the generation of HO() radicals in the O(3)-PAC or O(3)-GAC interaction) and a considerable reduction in the concentration of dissolved organic carbon in the system due to the PAC adsorbent properties.

Decolorization of molasses fermentation wastewater by SnO(2)-catalyzed ozonation

In the presence of O(3), the oxidative decolorization reaction on molasses fermentation wastewater with SnO(2) as a catalyst was studied. The results showed that SnO(2) accelerated the ozone oxidation reaction and the oxidative decolorization of molasses fermentation wastewater was accelerated. Influences on SnO(2) catalytic ozonation activity by precipitants and the calcination temperature were studied by XRD, IR and TG-DSC. SnO(2) prepared by ammonia as the precipitant had higher catalytic activity and a stronger dehydroxylation. The IR spectra of adsorbed pyridine showed that there were Lewis acid sites on the surface of this SnO(2) catalyst. The main factors influencing molasses fermentation wastewater oxidative decolorization were the wastewater concentration, the O(3) concentration, the pH value and the catalyst dosage. The decolorization of wastewater was improved with the increase of the wastewater dilution ratio, the ozone concentration and the catalyst dosage. High activity *OH was found to be existing with less amount and low concentration in the process of SnO(2) catalyzed ozonation decolorization.

Catalytic activity of CuOn-La2O3/gamma-Al2O3 for microwave assisted ClO2 catalytic oxidation of phenol wastewater

In order to develop a catalyst with high activity and stability for microwave assisted ClO2 catalytic oxidation, we prepared CuOn-La2O3/gamma-Al2O3 by impregnation-deposition method, and determined its properties using BET, XRF, XPS and chemical analysis techniques. The test results show that, better thermal ability of gamma-Al2O3 and high loading of Cu in the catalyst can be achieved by adding La2O3. The microwave assisted ClO2 catalytic oxidation process with CuOn-La2O3/gamma-Al2O3 used as catalyst was also investigated, and the results show that the catalyst has an excellent catalytic activity in treating synthetic wastewater containing 100 mg/L phenol, and 91.66% of phenol and 50.35% of total organic carbon (TOC) can be removed under the optimum process conditions. Compared with no catalyst process, CuOn-La2O3/gamma-Al2O3 can effectively degrade contaminants in short reaction time and with low oxidant dosage, extensive pH range. The comparison of phenol removal efficiency in the different process indicates that microwave irradiation and catalyst work together to oxidize phenol effectively. It can therefore be concluded from results and discussion that CuOn-La2O3/gamma-Al2O3 is a suitable catalyst in microwave assisted ClO2 catalytic oxidation process.

Design of a novel non-equilibrium plasma-based water treatment reactor

A novel non-equilibrium plasma-based water treatment reactor consisting of high voltage multi-needle electrode submerged in aqueous phase and reticulated ground electrode suspended in gas phase above water was developed and applied to treat low concentrations of methyl orange (MO). The electrode configuration was optimized. Higher number and more uniform distribution of streamers were produced in gas phase when parallel five-needle configuration with needle spacing of 10mm for high voltage electrode, macroporous ground electrode with mesh size of 0.42mm, and electrode gap of 17mm were adopted. This case corresponds to the largest amount of hydrogen peroxide and ozone produced in aqueous phase and gas phase, respectively, and air flow rate presents an economical value. The injection of wastewater above ground electrode for pretreatment and the design of fixed mesh barriers further increase the amount of ozone dissolved in aqueous solution. The conversion of MO presents a positive correlation with input voltage and the increase of pulse repetition rate is conducive for the conversion. In addition, the effect of initial solution concentration and treating volume on the conversion, energy yield and COD removal was evaluated.

Effect of granular activated carbon on degradation of methyl orange when applied in combination with high-voltage pulse discharge

The application of a gas-liquid series electrical discharge reactor for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in the presence of granular activated carbon (GAC1V, GAC2V, and GAC3V) was investigated and the effect of these GACs in a combined treatment was evaluated, respectively. Under the experimental conditions used in this work, MO cannot be removed completely by GAC adsorption; the MO degradation is faster by pulse discharge, but satisfactory removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) is never achieved. The MO degradation can be increased and COD can be removed effectively in the combined treatment through both the adsorption and the catalysis of GAC. The synergy intensity value indicates that a high correlation exists between the catalytic effect of GACs and the number of basic groups on their surface. Boehm titration and FTIR studies indicate that both acidic and basic groups on the GAC surface can be increased except that basic groups of GAC2V are slightly decreased by this process. This process can also slightly decrease their surface area and micropore and macropore volume. Furthermore, the virgin and saturated GAC samples can both be regenerated in situ after repeated use.