Wet peroxide oxidation of chlorophenols

This study evaluates the application of Wet Peroxide Oxidation (WPO) for the treatment of solutions containing 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). These compounds are of special interest due to their high toxicity and low biodegradability. WPO is included in the Advanced Oxidation Processes, which are technologies based on an initial formation of hydroxyl radicals that further oxidize the organic matter. The influence of some operating conditions such as temperature, dosage of hydrogen peroxide and initial concentration of the chlorophenols was studied in absence of a catalyst. The results of this study prove that 4-CP and 2,4-DCP can be completely removed from wastewaters by means of WPO. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and 4-CP removals of 72.3% and 100%, respectively, were achieved working at 100 °C with 2.5 mL of H2O2 and an initial concentration of 500 ppm of 4-CP after 90 min of reaction. Under the same conditions but with an initial concentration of 500 ppm of 2,4-DCP a TOC removal of 59% and a complete removal of the target compound were achieved.