Fenton-like initiation of a toluene transformation mechanism
Scott G Huling1, Sangchul Hwang, Dennis Fine
1U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center, P.O. Box 1198, Ada, OK 74820, United States. huling.scott@epa.gov
Abstract:
In Fenton-driven oxidation treatment systems, reaction intermediates derived from parent compounds can play a significant role in the overall treatment process. Fenton-like reactions in the presence of toluene or benzene, involved a transformation mechanism that was highly efficient relative to the conventional Fenton-driven mechanism. A delay in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reaction occurred until the complete or near-complete transformation of toluene or benzene and involved the simultaneous reaction of dissolved oxygen. This highly efficient transformation mechanism is initiated by Fenton-like reactions, and therefore dependent on conventional Fenton-like parameters. Results indicated that several potential parameters and mechanisms did not play a significant role in the transformation mechanism including electron shuttles, Fe chelates, high valent oxo-iron complexes, anionic interferences in H2O2 reaction, and H2O2 formation. The Fenton-like initiation, formation, and propagation of a reaction intermediate species capable of transforming toluene, while simultaneously inhibiting H2O2 reaction is the most viable mechanism.
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