Degradation of pentachlorophenol with zero-valence iron coupled with microwave energy

The objective of this research is to study the degradation of pentachlorophenol with zero-valence iron (Fe0) coupled with the use of microwave energy. The sample containing 1000 mg/L PCP solution was dosed with 0.5 g Fe0 and then subject to 700 W microwave energy for 10 s; 85% pentachlorophenol was noted to be removed. If the microwave treatment time was increased to 30 s, the pentachlorophenol removal efficiency exceeded 99% with end products including H2O, CO2, HCl, etc. Using Fe0 as a medium, the microwave treatment is made an efficient method for degrading pentachlorophenol. The time needed to achieve a satisfactory treatment is also reduced leading to significant savings of energy consumption to make this method cost-effective. Since this technology applies Fe0, which is amenable to natural environment, to speed up the decomposition of an industrial solvent, it is not only cost-effective but also environmental friendly for the industry to pursuit sustainable development.