A highly effective photochemical system for complex treatment of heavily contaminated wastewaters

Significant efforts have been committed to the research and development of many advanced oxidation processes, including photocatalytic oxidations with titanium dioxide or the hydrogen peroxide and ferrous/ferric ion (H2O2/Fe2+(Fe3+)/UV (photo-assisted Fenton) process. This study reports the development of a novel photochemical system for complex treatment of heavily contaminated wastewaters based on the use of UV-C light and H2O2. Special attention was focused on the technology employed, including the reactor design, process controls, and performance optimization. The effects of process parameters were studied using 4-chlorophenol (4CP) as model compound, and verification of this treatment technology was assessed using actual contaminated water. Among the most influential parameters were the 4CP concentration, reaction mixture volume, H2O2 concentration, and irradiation intensity. In contrast, for H2O2 dosing (proportional continuous or cumulative one-time), the flow rate did not significantly affect process efficacy.