Enhanced degradation of nonylphenol at neutral pH by ultrasonic assisted- heterogeneous Fenton using nano zero valent metals

The nano zero valent metals (nZVMs) of Fe, Cu, and Ni were prepared and examined in degradation of nonylphenol (6 mg L−1) by ultrasonic (20 kHz) assisted-Fenton-like process at the neutral pH, and the room temperature. The experiments were performed to investigate effects of irradiation time, H2O2 dosage, and pH. In presence of 1.0 g L−1 of a solid catalyst, and 10 mM H2O2 the degradation was complete after 15 min of sonication in presence of Fe0 and Cu0; while Ni0 needed 25 min to do the same effect. Degradation is enriched in the presence of the catalyst and hydrogen peroxide, due to enhanced production of hydroxyl radicals at interfacial regions between cavitation bubbles and solid particles. Particle size and specific surface area of used catalysts have a major role. Results of total organic carbon removal supported the conclusion that the degradation of nonylphenol takes place through initial attack of the formed hydroxyl radicals to the side chain that decomposes in the form of gaseous products.