Heterogeneous photo-Fenton oxidation of reactive azo dye solutions using iron exchanged zeolite as a catalyst

The heterogeneous photo-Fenton-type oxidation of reactive azo dye solutions has been investigated in a quartz batch reactor using artificial UVA as a light source. Fe-exchanged zeolite has been used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the process. The effect of various process variables on decolorization performance of the process was evaluated by examining temperature, pH, H2O2 dosage, catalyst loading, initial dye concentration and light intensity. The optimal operational parameters were found as follows: 35 °C, pH as solution pH 5.2, 15 mmol H2O2 dosage, 1 g/L catalyst loading. Stability and reuse of the catalyst were also tested. Mineralization and comparison with homogenous photo-Fenton process were evaluated by analyzing color removal and total organic carbon (TOC) values.