Degradation of formaldehyde by advanced oxidation processes

The degradation of formaldehyde in an aqueous solution (400 mg L−1) was studied using photolysis, peroxidation and advanced oxidation processes (UV/H2O2, Fenton and photo-Fenton). Photolysis was the only process tested that did not reduce formaldehyde concentration; however, only advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) significantly decreased dissolved organic carbon (DOC). UV/H2O2 and photo-Fenton AOPs were used to degrade formaldehyde at the highest concentrations (1200–12,000 mg L−1); the processes were able to reduce CH2O by 98% and DOC by 65%. Peroxidation with ultraviolet light (UV/H2O2) improved the efficiency of treatment of effluent from an anatomy laboratory. The effluent's CH2O content was reduced by 91%, DOC by 48%, COD by 46% and BOD by 53% in 420 min of testing.

► CH2O degradation by UV, H2O2, UV/H2O2, Fenton and photo-Fenton was evaluated.
► There was no photodecomposition of CH2O.
► Although the peroxidation was able to degrade CH2O, it was not able to reduce DOC.
► DOC removal efficiency was found to be: UV/H2O2 > photo-Fenton > Fenton.
► UV/H2O2 and photo-Fenton are indicated for treatment of anatomy lab effluents.