Mechanism and kinetic study for the degradation of lindane by photo-Fenton process

Because application of classical treatment methods cannot allow an easily Lindane (gamma 1α,2α,3β,4α,5α,6β-hexachlorocyclohexane) degradation, development of more powerful water treatment techniques, like advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), was necessary. The degradation of lindane (γ-HCH) has been studied using the photo-Fenton reaction. The degradation kinetics under irradiation was optimized in respect to H2O2 concentration and Fe2+ concentration at a constant lindane concentration. The degradation rate follows pseudo-first order kinetics with respect to lindane and organic clorine mineralization. Application of photo-Fenton system also assures total organic carbon removal with 95% efficiency at 2 h irradiation. The possible pathways of lindane photodegradation is also proposed.