Application of the Fenton process in the elimination of helminth eggs
Sandra Isabel Escobar-Megchún1, Hugo Alejandro Nájera-Aguilar1, Magaly González-Hilerio1
1Escuela de Ingeniería Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Edificio 3, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Libramiento Norte Poniente No. 1150, Colonia Lajas Maciel, C.P. 29039, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México
Abstract:
This study relates to a method for evaluating the degradation efficiency of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs through a Fenton reaction, using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 100, 250, and 500 mg/L, ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) at 458 mg/L Fe(2+) and pH values of 3, 4.5, and 6. The experiments were conducted according to a 3(2) experimental design, with 1:1, 3:1, and 5:1 (H2O2/Fe(2+)) molar ratios. The oxidation and flocculation stages were performed at 130 rpm during 2 hours and at 25-30 rpm during 20 min, respectively. As a result of the Fenton reaction, an average of 91.2% Ascaris lumbricoides egg degradation was achieved at pH 6 using a 500 mg/L dose of H2O2 and a 3:1 (H2O2/Fe(2+)) molar ratio. Thus, this process is an alternative for eliminating parasites that are resistant to conventional disinfection processes and significantly reduces the human health hazard they represent.
