Membrane enhanced COD degradation of pulp wastewater using Cu2O/H2O2 heterogeneous Fenton process

Both activity and stability of the catalyst can be improved in heterogeneous Fenton reaction, in particular, with no limitation for the working pH and no production of the sludge. In this work, a combination of catalyst Cu2O and pore-channel-dispersed H2O2 is proposed to treat the pulp wastewater. Degradation degree of CODs in the wastewater was up to 77% in the ceramic membrane reactor using Cu2O powder (2.0 g·L− 1) and membrane-feeding H2O2 (0.8 ml·L− 1) within 60 min. Evolution of OH radical formation in the advanced oxidation process was analyzed with a fluorescent method. Utilization efficiency of H2O2 was successfully enhanced by 10% with the membrane distributor. Further on, the catalyst recyclability was evaluated in a five-cycle test. The concentration of copper ions being dissolved in the treated water was monitored with ICP. After Cu2O/H2O2 (membrane) treatment the effluent is qualified to discharge with COD concentration lower than 15 mg·L− 1 with regard to the national standard GB25467-2010.