Degradation of acetaminophen in an aerated Fenton reactor

This study investigates the degradation of acetaminophen (ACTP) using a novel Fenton aerated reactor. The aerator was used to agitate and sludge was removed from a sludge outlet. The effects of operating parameters such as pH, Fe2+ and H2O2 concentrations on the initial rate of ACTP degradation (r), removal efficiency and mineralization were studied. The results indicate that a novel Fenton aerated reactor was successfully performed to degrade ACTP. The highest r value was obtained at pH 3. At pH 3, the r value and ACTP removal efficiency were significantly improved as the [Fe2+]:[H2O2] ratio increased. The removal efficiencies of ACTP, COD and TOC were 99%, 34% and 14%, respectively, at 40 min, when optimum conditions for 5 mM acetaminophen, 25 mM H2O2 and 0.1 mM Fe2+ were used at pH 3.

► A novel Fenton aerated reactor was designed and used to perform ACTP degradation.
► The novel Fenton reactor with an aerator and a sludge outlet was successfully used to degrade ACTP.
► The removal efficiencies of ACTP and COD at 40 min were 99% and 34%, respectively.