Simultaneous degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-N-methylnitramine (Tetryl) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5 triazine (RDX) in polluted wastewater using some advanced oxidation processes

Here we report the study on the utilization of several advanced oxidation processes such as electro-oxidation and Fenton process in simultaneous treatment of two nitramine explosives: 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-N-metylnitramine (Tetryl) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). The preliminary tests indicated that the electrolytic method using a TiO2/IrO2/RuO2-coated electrode could rapidly degrade Tetryl but not RDX. While the addition of certain amount of H2O2 induced an increase of Tetryl degradation yield but had insignificant effect on RDX decomposition, the use of Fenton's reagent showed an enhanced efficiency in degradation of both nitramines. It can be concluded that among tested processes, Fenton process is the most effective for treatment of nitramine-containing wastewaters.