Treatment of chlorophenols in water matrix by UV/ferrioxalate system: Part I. Key process parameter evaluation by response surface methodology

► We study the treatment of p-chlorophenol by UV/ferrioxalate process. ► We investigate the key operating parameters using the response surface methodology. ► Optimal conditions strongly depended on the type of UV irradiation. ► The competitive degradation mechanisms of p-cholophenol are established.