Studies on Catalytic Degradation of Phenol Wastewater by Fenton and UV / Fenton

The efficiency of Fenton and UV- Fenton is examined using phenol as a model compound. A batch study is conducted to optimize parameters like p H,hydrogen peroxide concentration and ferrous ion concentration. At optimum conditions,two processes are compared for the degradation of phenol. The degradation and mineralisation efficiency can be increased in UV- Fenton processes compared to conventional Fenton process and the maximum mineralising efficiency for phenol with UV- Fenton and Fenton processes is 98% and 40% respectively. In Fenton process,carboxylic acids like acetic acid and oxalic acid can be formed as end products during the degradation of phenol,while in UV- Fenton process,both these ions are identified during the early stages of phenol degradation and oxidized almost completely at 120 mins of the reaction time. In UV- Fenton process,concentration of Fe2 +is 0. 4mmol / L and that is 0. 8 mmol / L in conventional Fenton process.