Integrated effects of selected ions on 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene-removal by O3/H2O2

Considering the components of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT)-containing water, this paper aims to research the integrated effects of ions on TNT-removal by O3/H2O2 through the selection of CO3−, HCOO−, Cu2+ and Al3+. In view of TNT-removal rate and its constant, we find that the test with HCO3− or HCOO− or Cu2+ results in lower TNT-removal rate and its constant than control test. Therefore, it may conclude that HCO3− or HCOO− and Cu2+ has a potential to inhibit the efficacy of O3/H2O2, and that their inhibitions increase with an order from HCOO− to Cu2+ and to HCO3−. However, Al3+ is an exception, because it has a potential to improve the efficacy. When the two selected ions coexist, HCO3− and HCOO− inhibit the efficacy. The inhibition is greater than that of either one alone, and also greater than their sum, and thus the integrated effect of HCO3− and HCOO− follows the synergistic effect. The inhibition of Cu2+ and HCOO− coexistence also is greater than that either alone, but smaller than their sum, and thus their integrated effect follows the independent effect. The integrated effect of Al3+ and HCOO− follows the addition effect.