Effects of process variables and kinetics on the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol using advanced reduction processes (ARP)

This study aims at investigating the efficiency and kinetics of 2,4-DCP degradation via advanced reduction processes (ARP). Using UV light as activation method, the highest degradation efficiency of 2,4-DCP was obtained when using sulphite as a reducing agent. The highest degradation efficiency was observed under alkaline conditions (pH = 10.0), for high sulphite dosage and UV intensity, and low 2,4-DCP concentration. For all process conditions, first-order reaction rate kinetics were applicable. A quadratic polynomial equation fitted by a Box-Behnken Design was used as a statistical model and proved to be precise and reliable in describing the significance of the different process variables. The analysis of variance demonstrated that the experimental results were in good agreement with the predicted model (R2 = 0.9343), and solution pH, sulphite dose and UV intensity were found to be key process variables in the sulphite/UV ARP. Consequently, the present study provides a promising approach for the efficient degradation of 2,4-DCP with fast degradation kinetics.