Oxidation of cosmetic wastewaters with H(2)O(2) using a Fe/gamma-Al(2)O(3) catalyst

A catalyst based on Fe supported on gamma-Al(2)O(3) has been prepared and tested for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of cosmetic wastewaters. The influence of the main operating conditions (space-time, temperature, and H(2)O(2) dose) have been investigated. Working with this self-made Fe/gamma-Al(2)O(3) catalyst at 85 degrees C, with a space-time of 9.4 kg(cat) h/kg(COD) and a dose of H(2)O(2), corresponding to 0.5 times the theoretical stoichiometric H(2)O(2)/COD ratio, a substantial COD reduction (around 80%) has been reached with a complete consumption of H(2)O(2). The locally allowable limit of COD for industrial wastewaters discharge to the municipal sewer system can be achieved at lower temperature and space-time. The catalyst showed a high stability in 100 h time on stream tests, where COD and TOC reductions around 82 and 60%, respectively, were maintained working at 85 degrees C and 9.4 kg(cat) h/kg(COD) space-time. Fe leaching from the catalyst upon that time on stream was lower than 3% of the initial load.