A problemática envolvendo os efluentes têxteis decorre principalmente da elevada coloração que apresentam, devido à presença de corantes que além de serem quimicamente estáveis, podem ser tóxicos e/ou carcinogênicos. Logo, quando são descartados in natura no meio ambiente causam problemas estéticos e, sobretudo, ambientais mesmo em baixas concentrações, além da possibilidade de serem nocivos à saúde humana e dos animais. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a degradação eletroquímica de dois corantes têxteis, Reativo Azul 19 (RA-19) e o Reativo Preto 5 (RP-5) via Oxidação Anódica (OA), utilizando ânodos de Diamante Dopado com Boro (DDB) suportados em titânio ou em nióbio, via processo Eletro-Fenton (EF) e pela combinação dos processos com H2O2 eletrogerado e OA (CP), usando um eletrodo de Carbono Vítreo Reticulado (CVR) como cátodo. As degradações foram realizadas em célula eletroquímica de um compartimento e em reator de fluxo do tipo filtro-prensa com dois compartimentos. A eficiência das degradações foi monitorada pelas técnicas de espectrofotometria no UV-VIS, Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE) e análise do teor de Carbono Orgânico Total (COT). As variáveis estudadas foram densidade de corrente (10-100 mA cm-2 em célula e 4-41 mA cm-2 em reator), dopagem do eletrodo de DDB/Ti (5.000 e 15.000 ppm B/C), concentração inicial dos íons Fe2+ (0-0,10 mmol L-1) e dos corantes (10-250 mg L-1). As degradações dos corantes apresentaram uma cinética de pseudo ordem zero; exceto quando o corante RP-5 foi degradado pelo processo EF, sendo o melhor ajuste ao modelo de pseudo primeira ordem. Além disso, em iguais condições eletroquímicas o corante RP-5 foi degradado em menor tempo em relação ao RA-19; sendo que em todos os processos estudados os corantes foram totalmente removidos. Considerando a OA em célula com os eletrodos de DDB/Ti, a degradação foi positivamente influenciada pelo aumento da densidade de corrente e dopagem do eletrodo, especialmente em relação a cinética. Além disso, os corantes RA-19 e RP-5 foram completamente removidos em 35 e 50 min de eletrólise quando 100 mA cm-2 foi aplicada ao eletrodo de DDB/Ti dopado com 15.000 ppm relação B/C. Em 2 h, 37% em mineralização foi observado para ambos os corantes e a toxicidade do RA-19 diminuiu contra as bactérias Vibrio fischeri. Ainda nessa condição total mineralização foi alcançada após 8 h de degradação. A remoção de COT foi favorecida utilizando o reator contendo os eletrodos de DDB/Nb e CVR ao invés da célula eletroquímica, chegando a percentuais de 84 e 82% em 30 e 90 min para os corantes RA-19 e RP-5 que foram removidos em 7,5 e 5 min, respectivamente, quando a densidade de 41 mA cm-2 foi aplicada ao DDB/Nb durante a degradação via exclusivamente OA. Entre os processos realizados no reator, o EF foi o energeticamente mais favorável, promovendo remoção em COT de 60 e 74% para os corantes RA-19 e RP-5 com consumo energético de 204 e 208 kWh kg-1, além disso, a completa remoção dos corantes ocorreu em 15 e 7,5 min, respectivamente, quando o eletrólito continha íons Fe2+ na concentração de 0,10 mmol L-1 e aplicando-se -0,4 V vs Ag/AgCl ao eletrodo de CVR. Na degradação os corantes via CP o RA-19 e RP-5 foram completamente removidos em 30 e 15 min com mineralização de 72 e 82% em 90 min associada a consumos energéticos de 562 e 745 kWh kg-1, respectivamente, quando 41 mA cm-2 foi aplicada ao DDB/Nb. Por fim, concluiu-se que os resultados das degradações dos corantes foram promissores, já que rápida remoção dos corantes foi observada, além da parcial mineralização. Logo os processos propostos podem ser aplicados na remoção dos corantes em água; sendo necessários realizar mais estudos, principalmente em relação ao material eletródico e configuração do sistema eletroquímico visando a aplicação industrial. / The main problem involving the textile wastewater is theirs high coloration since they present dyes, which are chemically stable and can be toxic and/or carcinogenic. Therefore, when the textile wastewater are discarded in nature in the environment, even in low concentrations, they may cause not only aesthetic and environmental problems, but also can be harmful to human and animal health. In this context, the aim of the study was to evaluate the electrochemical degradation of two textile dyes, Reactive Blue 19 (RB-19) and Black 5 (RB-5) via Anodic Oxidation (AO) using as anodes Boron Doped Diamond electrodes (BDD) supported on titanium or niobium, via Electro-Fenton (EF) process and by combination of processes with electrogenerated H2O2 and AO (CP) using a Reticulated Vitreous Carbon electrode (RVC) as cathode. The degradations assays were carried out in an electrochemical cell with one compartment and in a filter-press flow reactor with two compartments. The efficiency of degradation was monitored by UV-VIS spectrophotometry, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and analysis of Total Organic Carbon (TOC). The variables studied were current density (10-100 mA cm-2 for cell and 4-41 mA cm-2 for reactor), doping of the BDD/Ti electrodes (5,000 e 15,000 ppm B/C), initial concentration of the Fe2+ ions (0-0,10 mmol L-1) and dyes (10-250 mg L-1). The kinetic results showed that the removal of dyes followed the model of pseudo zero order; except when the RB-5 dye was degraded by EF process, which the best fitted was to pseudo first order model. Furthermore, for equal conditions the RB-5 was degraded in less time in comparison to the RB-19. In addition, the dyes were fully removed in all the processes studied. Regarding the AO in cell with BDD/Ti, the degradation was positively influenced by the increasing in current density and doping of the electrode, primarily the kinetics parameters. In addition, total removal of RB-19 and RB-5 was achieved in 35 and 50 min of electrolysis when 100 mA cm-2 was applied to the electrode doped with 15,000 ppm ratio B/C. In 2 h, 37% in mineralization was attained for both dyes and the toxicity effect of the RB-19 decreased against the bacteria Vibrio fischeri. In this condition, total TOC removed was also reached after 8 h. The TOC removal was enhanced using the reactor fitted with BDD/Nb and RVC instead of the electrochemical cell, achieving TOC removal of 84 and 82% in 30 and 90 min for RB-19 and RB-5 which were removed in 7.5 and 5 min, respectively, when 41 mA cm-2 was applied to the BDD/Nb in the degradation exclusively via AO. Among the processes carried out in the reactor, the EF was the energetically most favourable since TOC removal of 60 and 74% for RB-19 and RB-5 with energy consumption of 204 and 208 kWh kg-1 were noted. In addition, the RB-19 and RB-5 were completely removed in 15 and 7.5 min, respectively, when the electrolyte containing 0.10 mmol L-1 of Fe2+ ions and -0.4 V vs Ag/AgCl was applied to CVR electrode. The combination of processes with electrogenerated H2O2 and AO for degradation of the dyes removed the RB-19 and RB-5 in 30 and 15 min with mineralization of 71.6 and 81.8% in 90 min associated to energy consumptions of 562 and 745 kWh kg-1 respectively, when 41 mA cm-2 was applied to BDD/Nb. Therefore, the degradation results of the dyes were promised since quickly removal of the dyes and partial mineralization were observed hence the proposed processes could be used to remove the dyes from water. However, more studies are needed to enable an industrial application, especially regarding the electrode material and configuration of the electrochemical system.

As técnicas de remediação para solos contaminados como os processos de oxidação avançados \"in situ\" visam essencialmente a mineralização dos contaminantes, reduzindo-os, em última instância, a CO2 e H2O. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar os resultados de experimentos conduzidos para investigar como as características do solo, tais como a granulação, o teor e a natureza dos minerais argilosos, e o teor da matéria orgânica influem no desempenho da mineralização do contaminante linar alquilbenzeno no solo. Em várias partes da cidade de São Paulo há locais contaminados por esse e outros tipos de vazamentos e os responsáveis e as autoridades estão interessadas em possíveis soluções. Uma possível solução seria o tratamento in situ através dos processos de oxidação avançada. Porém, não há como decidir a priori sobre a melhor técnica, pois ela dependerá tanto do reagente empregado como do tipo de solo contaminado. Essa resposta poderá ser cientificamente fundamentada a partir de ensaios no laboratório desenhados para investigar os fatores que controlam a eficácia do processo. Os experimentos em laboratório foram conduzidos com dois tipos de solo da região metropolitana de São Paulo contaminados com linear alquilbenzeno, composto utilizado como óleo térmico em revestimentos de cabos subterrâneos de alta voltagem. Os desempenhos da mineralização com o Reagente de Fenton e Persulfato de Sódio foram avaliados na oxidação do composto linear alquilbenzeno com uma concentração inicial de 10 mg/grama de solo contaminado. Os resultados mostram uma redução considerável em massa de 82% a 85% do contaminante nos dois solos com a utilização de Persulfato de Sódio ativado termicamente e através de metal de transição \'Fe POT.2+\' disponível naturalmente no solo . O reagente de Fenton nas mesmas condições do experimento mostrou um desempenho mais limitado entre 10 % a 30% de redução em massa do contaminante. O conhecimento prévio das características do solo como o teor de argila , teor de carbono orgânico que influem fortemente os fenômenos de sorção e desorção e a composição mineralógica são variáveis importantes na definição dos reagentes e nas condições de reação de oxidação dos poluentes e contribuem na escolha mais acertada da tecnologia de remediação \'in situ\". / The remediation techniques used in contaminated soils such as \"in situ\" chemical oxidation aim essentially the mineralization of contaminants, reducing it to CO2 and H2O. The objective of this study is pointing out the results of experiments conducted to investigate how the soil characteristics such as granulometry, assay and nature of clay minerals as well as organic matter can influence in the mineralization performance of linear alkylbenzene in the soil. In some areas of São Paulo city there are contaminated sites by leakage of linear alkylbenzene and many other chemical leakages and site\'s responsible and local authorities are interested in possible technical solutions to clean it. One possible solution would be in situ treatment through advanced oxidation process; however there is no way how to decide about the best technique because it depends on contaminant substance, reagents used as well as the contaminated soil characteristics. The answer could be scientifically based on bench laboratory experiments properly designed to investigate the factors that control the process performance. The bench lab experiments were conducted with two soils sampled from metropolitan region of São Paulo and contaminated with linear alkyl benzene, used in high and medium voltage underground electrical cables. The mineralization performance was evaluated in soils contaminated with an initial concentration of 10 mg / gr of contaminated soil by oxidation of linear alkyl benzene with Fenton reagent and sodium persulfate. The final results pointed out a considerable mass reduction from 82% to 85% in both soils tested with sodium persulfate thermally activated and by naturally available transition metal \'Fe pot.2+\' in the soil. The Fenton reagent in the same experiment conditions pointed out a more limited mass reduction performance between 10% and 30%. The previous knowledge of soil characteristics such as clay assay , natural carbon content in the soil which influence the sorption / desorption phenomenon as well as the mineral composition of the soil are the key variables to define reagents and the oxidation reaction conditions which contribute to select a proper in situ chemical oxidation technology.

A indústria têxtil gera grandes volumes de efluentes com elevada carga orgânica, forte coloração e toxicidade. Neste trabalho, estuda-se o tratamento de solução aquosa contendo o corante Solophenyl Yellow Arle 154% por meio dos processos O3-H2O2/UV e foto-Fenton, avaliando-se as repostas: remoção de cor em 5 minutos, remoção de cor em 60 minutos, taxa máxima de remoção de cor e remoção de COT em 60 minutos. Os experimentos foram realizados em semibatelada com circulação usando um reator fotoquímico com campo de radiação anular coaxial, constituído de corpo cilíndrico em aço com refletor interno de alumínio para 12 lâmpadas fixadas simetricamente na superfície refletora e um tubo reator em quartzo de 0,7 L, posicionados verticalmente no eixo do refletor. Para o processo O3-H2O2/UV foram utilizadas lâmpadas Phillips TUV (36 W, 254 nm). A corrente gasosa contendo O3 foi introduzida no reator por meio de um difusor. Para o processo foto-Fenton foram utilizadas lâmpadas Sylvania (12 W cada, 300 400 nm) e concentração de Fe(II) de 0,25 mmol/L. Em ambos os processos, solução de peróxido de hidrogênio foi adicionada durante os 30 minutos iniciais de tratamento. As amostras foram analisadas por medidas de carbono orgânico total (COT) e remoção de cor (absorbância medida em 405 nm em espectrofotômetro UV-visível). Em ambos os processos utilizou-se o planejamento experimental Doehlert, definindo os valores mínimo e máximo para cada variável adotada. No caso do processo O3- H2O2/UV (ETAPA I), foram estudados os efeitos da potência elétrica total das lâmpadas (144 432 W), concentração de H2O2 (5 30 mmol/L), concentração inicial de corante (20 100 mg/L), concentração de ozônio (10 40 mg/L) e pH (3 10). No processo foto-Fenton (ETAPA II), estudaram-se os efeitos da potência (160 480 W), concentração de H2O2 (5 30 mmol/L) e concentração inicial de corante (20 100 mg/L). Os resultados da ETAPA I indicaram que o aumento da concentração do corante, em meio ácido, aumenta a remoção de cor em 5 e 60 minutos, sugerindo a eficiência da ação via ozônio molecular sob o grupo cromóforo do corante. Os melhores resultados apresentaram remoção acima de 95% em 5 e 60 minutos de tratamento. Entretanto, para a remoção de COT em 60 minutos o processo não foi eficiente, apresentando resultado máximo de 35,6%. Na ETAPA II obtiveram-se resultados menos satisfatórios para remoção de cor se comparados aos da ETAPA I (56,1% em 5 minutos e 78% em 60 minutos de tratamento), mas melhores em relação à remoção de COT em 60 minutos atigindo 45,1% de remoção. As maiores taxas de remoção de cor foram observadas nos 5 primeiros minutos de tratamento para todos os experimentos. Experimentos complementares realizados em uma terceira etapa (ETAPA III) mostraram que a aplicação do processo O3 seguido do processo foto-Fenton permitiu resultados satisfatórios tanto para remoção de cor (97,2%), quanto para remoção de COT (69,5%). O estudo da ação do processo O3 em modo contínuo e a avaliação econômica preliminar do processo integrado O3 - foto-Fenton sugerem o potencial de aplicação do tratamento integrado a indústrias têxteis. / The textile industry generates large volumes of wastewater with high organic load, strong coloration and toxicity. In this work, the treatment of an aqueous solution containing the dye Solophenyl Yellow Arle 154% was studied by the O3-H2O2/UV and photo-Fenton processes, in order to evaluate the responses color removal after 5 minutes; color removal after 60 minutes; maximum rate of color removal; and TOC removal after 60 minutes. The experiments were carried out in the semi-batch mode with circulation using a photochemical reactor with annular coaxial radiation field, consisting of a cylindrical stainless steel support with an aluminum internal reflector with 12 lamps fixed symmetrically in the internal reflecting surface, and a quartz tube reactor of 0.7 L, positioned vertically along the axis of the reflector. For the O3- H2O2/UV process, Phillips TUV lamps (36 W, 254 nm) were used; the gas stream containing zone was introduced into the reactor through a diffuser. For the photo- Fenton process, Sylvania lamps (12 W each, 300 - 400 nm) and a concentration of Fe (II) of 0.25 mmol/L were used. In both cases, the hydrogen peroxide solution was added in the first 30 minutes of treatment. The samples were analyzed by the measurement of total organic carbon (TOC) and color removal (absorbance measured at 405 nm in a UV-visible spectrophotometer). In both cases the Doehlert experimental design was used, defining the minimum and maximum values of each variable adopted. In the case of O3-H2O2/UV process (PHASE I), the effects of the total electric power of the lamps (144 - 432 W), H2O2 concentration (5 - 30 mmol/L), initial dye concentration (20 - 100 mg/L), ozone concentration (10 - 40 mg/L), and pH (3 - 10) were studied. For the photo-Fenton process, the studied variables were: total electric power of the lamps (160 - 480 W), H2O2 concentration (5 - 30 mmol/L), and initial dye concentration (20 - 100 mg/L). The results of PHASE I indicated that the increase of dye concentration in acidic conditions increases color removal after 5 and 60 minutes, thus suggesting the efficiency of molecular ozone action upon the chromophore group of the dye. The best results showed color removal above 95% after 5 and 60 minutes of treatment. However, for the TOC removal the process was not efficient, with maximum removal after 60 minutes of only 35.6%. In PHASE II less satisfactory results for color removal were obtained in comparison with PHASE I (56.1% after 5 minutes and 78% after 60 minutes of treatment), but with higher TOC removal after 60 minutes, achieving over 45.1%. The highest color removal rates were observed within the first 5 minutes of treatment for all runs. Additional experiments carried out in PHASE III showed that the oxidation by O3 followed by the photo-Fenton process enabled to achieve suitable results for both color (97.2%) and TOC removals (69.5%). The study of the O3 process in the continuous mode and a preliminary economic evaluation suggests a high potential for the use of the integrated O3-photo-Fenton process in textile industries.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T18:08:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fernando Henrique Borba.pdf: 3301834 bytes, checksum: 0c5216d667957cc99d5acd2dd5d59c05 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-02-18 / Pollution is a currently environmental problem of world concern. There are many events such as the discharging of untreated effluents in watercourses that cause the eutrophization of water bodies and bad water quality, as well as an inefficiency or lack of a current environmental law. The main goal of this dissertation was the application of solar and artificial-based photo-Fenton processes and aluminum electrodes-based electrocoagulation method in non coupled mode and in an integrated mode for the tannery effluent treatment. These effluent treatments were carried out in lab-scale reactors. In order to evaluate the performance of the reactor experimental conditions of photo-Fenton reactor, a 33 complete experimental design was performed. The lab scale EC reactor was operated at the 4 A electrical current, 4 cm electrode distance and 3 initial pH optimized values, according to the previous results obtained in another work, while the electrolysis time was varied from 5 to 120 min. For EC and photo-Fenton reactors, their performance was evaluated on the removal values of chemical oxygem demand (COD), color, turbidity, total solids (TS), total fixed solids (TFS), total volatile solids (TVS) and metal concentration. Measurements of physico-chemical parameters for untreated and treated effluent samples were performed applying the Standard Method for water analysis, while metal concentrations were determined by the Synchrotron radiation total Reflexion X-ray Fluorescence technique at Brazilian Light Synchrotron Laboratory. By an optimized photon-Fenton process at 0.5 g Fe2+ L-1, 30 g H2O2 L-1, 3 initial pH, and 120 min reaction time, tannery effluent was treated achieving a high performance in pollutant removal as reported by 98.1, 96.4, 98.8, 71.8, 32.1 and 98.5 percent removal for COD, color, turbidity, TS, TFS, and TVS, respectively. As a primer treatment stage, electrocoagulation technique was not achieved a well successful result based on the physico-chemical parameter values reduction as compared with photo-Fenton process. However, an integrated solar irradiation-based photo-Fenton and Al electrodes-based electrocoagulation with 15 min electrolysis time has achieved recommended values by the Brazilian environmental law for Cr concentration (0.24 mg Cr L-1) and DQO (107 mg O2 L-1). Considering both the costs of electrical energy and material and the generated sludge discharging, one m3 of tannery effluent should cost R$ 56.30 for a treatment system based on an integrated and optimized photo Fenton and electrocoagulation processes. Finally, the integrated solar-based photo Fenton and electrocoagulation method is suggested as an efficient one, instead to apply a unique process. / A poluição ambiental é um dos grandes problemas nos países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento. Isto é decorrente de uma série de fatores, como o despejo de efluentes não tratados em corpos hídricos e a ineficiência e/ou a falta de legislação ambiental vigente. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é aplicar os processos foto-Fenton com irradiação solar e/ou artificial, a técnica da eletrofloculação e a integração destes processos no tratamento de efluente de curtume. Ambos os processos de tratamento do foto-Fenton e da eletrofloculação foram conduzidos em reatores a escala laboratorial. Para a técnica da eletrofloculação foi utilizado um par de placas de alumínio como eletrodos no reator de eletrofloculação. Para avaliar as melhores condições de processo do sistema foto-Fenton, foi aplicado um planejamento experimental 33 completo. Para a técnica da eletrofloculação manteve-se constante a intensidade de corrente, pH inicial do efluente bruto e distância entre os eletrodos, variando-se o tempo de eletrólise de 5 à 120 min. A eficiência de ambos os processos foram avaliadas com base na redução de Demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), cor, turbidez, sólidos totais (ST), sólidos totais fixos (STF), sólidos totais voláteis (STV). Para a técnica da eletrofloculação e dos processos integrados também foram avaliados a redução da concentração dos metais pesados. Todas as medidas dos parâmetros físico-químicos foram realizadas aplicando os métodos padrões do Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater para amostra não tratada e tratada. As concentrações dos metais pesados foram determinadas usando a técnica de fluorescência de raio X por reflexão total, na linha de Luz (D09-XRF) do Laboratório Nacional de Luz Synchrotron. A maior eficiência na redução dos poluentes verificada no processo foto-Fenton foi de 98,1, 96,4, 98,8, 71,8, 32,1 e 98,5 para valores da DQO, cor, turbidez, ST, STF e STV, respectivamente, nas condições operacionais do reator: concentração de ferro de 0,5 gL-1, concentração de peróxido de hidrogênio de 30 gL-1, pH inicial 3 e tempo reacional de 120 min. No entanto a técnica da eletrofloculação não apresentou boa redução nos valores dos parâmetros físico-químicos. Após a aplicação dos processos integrados do foto-Fenton com irradiação solar e da eletrofloculação em tempo de eletrólise de 15 min, foi alcançado valores mínimos de Cr e DQO no efluente tratado, contendo 0,24 mg Cr L-1 e 107 mg O2 L-1 da DQO. O custo do tratamento do efluente e da disposição final do lodo gerado no processo integrado FFs→EF foi de R$ 56,30 m3 do efluente de curtume tratado. Este processo integrado reduziu as concentrações de cromo, ferro e DQO, a níveis permitidos pelas legislações ambientais. Baseada na redução da matéria orgânica e inorgânica, o método integrado FFs→EF pode ser recomendado como uma substituição eficiente ao método individual.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T18:08:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Diego Ricieri Manenti.pdf: 2926963 bytes, checksum: 74aa89bdde44c5ef6942846129864678 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-25 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aim of this work was to study the performance of the photo-Fenton process using both the artificial UV and solar sources on the textile effluent treatments. Preliminary photo-Fenton experiments for mineralization and degradation of organic and inorganic pollutants as well as of synthetic dyes were carried out in order to assess the best experimental conditions by photo-Fenton process. As synthetic textile effluent a mixture of six dyes: Solophenyl orange TGL (C25H33ClN6O6S2), Solophenyl blue 71 (C40H23N7Na4O13S4), Solophenyl scarlet BNLE (C44H32N10Na4O16S4), Solophenyl yellow ARL (C48H26N8Na6O18S6), Solophenyl black FR (C44H32N13Na3O11S3) e Navy Blue 98 (C38H24N5Na3O13S3) that contained 50 mg L-1 concentration was prepared and diluted in distillated water. The photo-Fenton experiments by using a set of high-pressure mercury lamps and solar light as artificial and natural UV irradiation sources were performed in laboratory scale. As reactor operational parameters to be optimized by a 33 full factorial experimental design: hydrogen peroxide and divalent iron ion as well as the initial solution pH were chosen as variables, keeping constant a reaction time of 120 min that was enough to warrant the maximum (chemical oxygen demand) COD and color removal. The efficiency of photo-Fenton process applied in the treatment of synthetic and real effluents, was evaluated based on the parameters: values of COD, color, turbidity, total organic carbon (TOC), absorbance at a wavelength of maximum absorption for the dyes and simple aromatic compounds and conjugated reductions, as well as behavior analysis of the evolution the sulfate, nitrate inorganic, organic nitrogen and ammonia concentrations. Second-degree models for the COD and color removal percents were proposed to model the photo-Fenton experiments data in order to reduce the cost of running such a photo-Fenton experiment as well as to obtain optimum values of the reactor operating parameters. Second-degree models were also validated by ANOVA. Predicted yields showed good validation with experimental yields. The values of the optimized reactor operational parameters were 3.0, 6.0 g L-1, and 0.05 g L-1 for initial pH, hydrogen peroxide and divalent iron concentrations, respectively, for both photo-Fenton processes. Based on this optimized experimental conditions, almost 100% removals of physico-chemical parameter such as COD, color, turbidity and COT for real textile effluents. The aromatics compounds were showed more resistant to reaction, persisting for longer. It can be noticed that the degradtion of the organic and inorganic matters were verified by the nitrification process and, the sulfates formation and reduction. The process presented similar efficiencies with both solar and artificial irradiation, thus suggesting the use of solar photo-Fenton, as it proved to be an efficient alternative besides using a source of clean and renewable energy. / O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o desempenho do processo foto-Fenton, utilizando energia solar e artificial como fontes de irradiação UV, no tratamento de efluentes têxteis. Foram realizados experimentos preliminares para avaliar a eficiência do processo foto-Fenton na mineralização e degradação dos poluentes orgânicos e inorgânicos, bem como dos corantes sintéticos. Para tanto, foi preparado o efluente têxtil sintético pela mistura de seis corantes: Laranja TGL (C25H33ClN6O6S2), Azul FGLE (C40H23N7Na4O13S4), Escarlate BNLE (C44H32N10Na4O16S4), Amarelo ARLE (C48H26N8Na6O18S6), Preto FR (C44H32N13Na3O11S3) e Marinho BLE (C38H24N5Na3O13S3), em água destilada, com concentração de 50 mg L-1. Os experimentos foram realizados em reatores de escala laboratorial utilizando fontes de irradiação UV natural e artificial. Os parâmetros operacionais dos reatores: pH inicial e a concentração dos reagentes H2O2 e Fe2+, foram otimizados baseados nos valores da demanda química de oxigênio (DQO) e descoloração, a partir de um planejamento fatorial 33 completo com o tempo de irradiação constante em 120 minutos. A eficiência do processo foto-Fenton, aplicado no tratamento dos efluentes sintético e real, foi avaliada baseada nos parâmetros: redução dos valores da DQO, cor, turbidez, carbono orgânico total (COT), absorvância nos comprimentos de onda de máxima absorção relativos aos corantes e aos compostos aromáticos simples e conjugados, além da análise do comportamento da evolução das concentrações de sulfato, nitrato inorgânico, nitrogênio orgânico e amoniacal. Para auxiliar na obtenção das condições ótimas dos parâmetros operacionais do reator e redução dos custos do processo foto-Fenton, as respostas experimentais para a redução da DQO e da cor foram ajustados por um modelo previsto de segunda ordem, o qual apresentou uma boa modelagem dos dados, validado pela ANOVA. Os valores ótimos operacionais do reator, para ambos os processos foto-Fenton no tratamento do efluente real, foram: pH = 3,0, concentração de H2O2 = 6,0 g L-1 e concentração de Fe2+ = 0,05 g L-1. Nestas condições, foram obtidos valores próximos a 100% de redução dos parâmetros físico-químicos DQO, cor, turbidez e COT. Os compostos aromáticos se mostraram mais resistentes a reação, persistindo por mais tempo. A degradação da matéria orgânica e inorgânica foi verificada analisando a evolução do processo de nitrificação e a formação ou redução de sulfatos. Os processos apresentaram eficiências similares tanto com irradiação solar como artificial, desta forma, sugere-se a utilização do processo foto-Fenton solar, pois mostrou ser uma alternativa eficiente além de utilizar uma fonte de energia limpa e renovável.

This dissertation describes electrochemical oxidation of Padan 95 SP on Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode mainly by •OH radicals (which was measured by indirect method, i.e: the formation of 2-Hydroxylterephthalic acid (2-HTA)), Electro-Fenton and the combination with adsorption technology for increasing total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency. In this study, the formation of 2-HTA on BDD electrode via the reaction between terephthalic acid (TA) and •OH as a method to quantify hydroxyl radical formation was investigated. The degradation of Cartap in Padan 95SP (95 % Cartap) on BDD was investigated. Operating parameters such as applied current density, types of electrolyte and initial concentration of Padan 95SP were varied in order to determine their effect on the degradation efficiency of Cartap. The concentration of Cartap was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy according to 5,5-Dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) procedure. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to characterize the commercial Padan 95SP and the formation of by-products. The optimal conditions for Cartap degradation by electrochemical process have been established: concentration of electrolyte: 0.05 M Na2SO4, initial concentration of Padan 95SP: 300 mg·L-1, pH = 3, current density: j = 20 mA·cm-2. At this condition, Cartap decreases to 41 %, TOC decay reaches 8 %. To increase TOC decay at higher Padan 95 SP concentration in aqueous solution, the combination technique of electrochemical process with other techniques was proposed, e.g.: Electro-Fenton technique, pre-oxidizing by NaOCl or the Electro-Adsorption combination. In the Electro-Fenton technique, we investigated the influence of factors such as the presence of NaOCl in pretreatment of process, affects of H2O2 concentration, Fe2+ dosage, co-catalysts metals ion and pH. The efficiency shows approximately 80 % of TOC removed at 700 mg·L-1 Padan 95 SP. The combination of electrochemical with adsorption method shows the efficient removals of TOC and Padan 95SP (95 % Cartap) based on reagents oxidation in electrochemical process and adsorption of granular activated carbon (GAC), respectively. The influence of factors such as supporting electrolytes, flow rate, bed height, recycling number as well as initial concentration were investigated in order to determine their effects on TOC removal. The efficiency of this combination shows approximately 75 % of TOC and more than 90 % of Cartap removed at 700 mg·L-1 Padan 95 SP. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) BET surface analysis were applied to investigate GAC before and after usage. The results have shown that the application of electrochemical technique with other methods can be the potential option for treatment of wastewater containing Padan 95 SP. / Diese Dissertation befasst sich mit der Reduktion des gesamten organischen Kohlenstoffs (TOC) aus wässriger Lösung, die Padan 95 SP enthält. Als Methoden zur Minimierung von TOC wurden die elektrochemische Oxidation von Padan 95 SP auf Bor-dotierter Diamant (BDD) Elektroden durch •OH Radikale, Elektro-Fenton und die Kombination mit Adsorptionstechnologien verwendet. Die •OH Radikale wurden dabei durch indirekte Methoden, z. B. die Bildung von 2-HTA gemessen. Zur Quantifizierung der Hydroxylradikalbildung wurde in dieser Studie die Bildung von 2-Hydroxylterephthalsäure (2-HTA) an BDD-Elektroden über die Reaktion zwischen Terephthalsäure (TA) und •OH untersucht. Weiterhin befasst sich die Arbeit mit dem Abbau von Cartap in Padan 95SP (95% Cartap) auf BDD über die Reaktion zwischen Cartap und Hydroxylradikalen. Betriebsparameter wie die angewandte Stromdichte, die Elektrolytarten und die Anfangskonzentration von Padan 95SP wurden variiert, um ihre Wirkung auf die Abbaueffizienz von Cartap zu bestimmen. Die Konzentration von Cartap wurde mittels UV-Vis-Spektroskopie mit dem 5,5-Dithiobis-(2-Nitrobenzoesäure) (DTNB) Verfahren bestimmt. Hochleistungs-Flüssigkeitschromatographie (HPLC) und Gaschromatographie/Massenspektrometrie (GC-MS) wurden verwendet, um das kommerziell erhältliche Padan 95SP und die Bildung von Nebenprodukten beim Abbau von Cartap zu charakterisieren. Die optimalen Bedingungen für die Cartap-Degradation durch den elektrochemischen Prozess wurden festgelegt: Konzentration des Elektrolyten: 0.05 M Na2SO4, Padan 95SP Anfangskonzentration: 300 mg·L-1, pH = 3, Stromdichte: j = 20 mA·cm-2. Unter diesen Bedingungen sinkt Cartap auf 41% und der TOC erreicht 8 % des jeweiligen Ausgangswertes. Um den TOC-Zerfall bei höher Padan 95 SP Konzentration in Wasser zu erhöhen, wurde die Kombination des elektrochemischen Prozesses mit anderen Techniken vorgeschlagen, z.B.: Elektro-Fenton-Technik, Oxidation mit NaOCl, oder die Kombination des elektrochemischen Prozesses mit einem Adsorptionsprozess. Bei der Elektro-Fenton-Technik wurde der Einfluss von Faktoren wieder Anwesenheit von NaOCl in der Prozessvorbehandlung, Auswirkungen der H2O2-Konzentration, Fe2+-Dosierung, Metallionen als Cokatalysatoren und der pH-Wert der Lösung untersucht, um die Wirkung auf die Abbau-Effizienz für Cartap zu bestimmen. Es konnten mit dieser Methode rund 80 % TOC, ausgehend von 700 mg·L-1Padan 95SP, entfernt werden. Die Kombination des elektrochemischen Prozesses mit einer Adsorptionsmethode ermöglicht eine effiziente Entfernung von TOC und Padan 95SP (95% Cartap). Dies basiert auf der Oxidation und anschließender Adsorption auf granularer Aktivkohle (GAC). Der Einfluss von Faktoren wie Leitelektrolyten, Flussrate, Betthöhe, Recyclingzahl sowie die Anfangskonzentration von Padan 95 SP wurde untersucht, um deren Auswirkungen auf die TOC Entfernung zu bestimmen. Durch die Kombination konnten so 75% desTOC und mehr als 90% Cartap bei 700 mg·L-1Padan 95 SP entfernt werden. Fourier-Transformations-Infrarot (FT-IR) und BET-Oberflächenanalyse wurden angewendet, um GAC vor und nach der Verwendung zu untersuchen. Die Ergebnisse haben gezeigt, dass die Kombination des elektrochemischen Prozesses mit anderen Methoden eine potentielle Option für die Behandlung von Abwasser, das Padan 95 SP enthält, sein kann.

Microplastics take hundreds to thousands of years to degrade in nature, and pose a threat to the environment. A photocatalytical degradation method have been developed to take advantage of solar light to degrade microplastics, however it takes several months to degrade microplastics with the process. The purpose of this study is to enhance the degradation rate of microplastics by synthesizing a material where photocatalysis is combined with Fenton reaction. A material with zinc oxide nanorods coated with tin oxide and decorated with iron particles (𝑍𝑛𝑂/𝑆𝑛𝑂2/𝐹𝑒0) was synthesized and used to degrade methylene blue, polystyrene and polypropylene. The result show that the degradation rate with a 𝑍𝑛𝑂/𝑆𝑛𝑂2/𝐹𝑒0 – sample is faster than with a 𝑍𝑛𝑂 – sample, and that it can be used to degrade polystyrene and polypropylene.Students’ view on researchers can affect the development of their interest and attitude towards science. Study visits to laboratories have been used to increase students’ interest and give them new experiences. The purpose of this study is to investigate what and how high school students learn during a study visit to a nanotechnology laboratory, and how the study visit affects high school students’ interest and motivation for research and learning. A study visit with 5 stations was organized, and students were given a questionnaire about what they learned during the study visit. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the students’ answers. The result shows that the study visit increased students’ interest in research, and the importance of designing stations so that they are connected to students’ previous knowledge and are within their proximal development zone. / Mikroplaster tar hundratals till tusentals år att bryta ner i naturen och utgör ett hot mot miljön. En fotokatalytisk nedbrytningsprocess har utvecklats där solljus utnyttjas för att bryta ner mikroplaster, dock tar det flera månader att bryta ner mikroplaster med den processen. Syftet med denna studie är att förbättra nedbrytningshastigheten av mikroplaster genom att syntetisera ett material där fotokatalys kombineras med Fenton-reaktion. Ett material med zinkoxid nanorör belagda med tennoxid och dekorerade med järnpartiklar (𝑍𝑛𝑂/𝑆𝑛𝑂2/𝐹𝑒0) syntetiserades och användes för att bryta ner metylenblått, polystyren och polypropen. Resultatet visar att nedbrytningshastigheten med 𝑍𝑛𝑂/𝑆𝑛𝑂2/𝐹𝑒0 – materialet är snabbare än med ett 𝑍𝑛𝑂 – material, och att 𝑍𝑛𝑂/𝑆𝑛𝑂2/𝐹𝑒0 – materialet kan användas för att bryta ned polystyren och polypropen.Elevers syn på forskning och forskare kan påverka utvecklingen av deras intresse och inställning till vetenskap. Studiebesök på laboratorier har använts för att öka elevernas intresse och ge dem nya erfarenheter. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vad och hur gymnasieelever lär sig under ett studiebesök i ett nanotekniklaboratorium och hur studiebesöket påverkar gymnasieelevernas intresse och motivation för forskning och lärande. Ett studiebesök med 5 stationer organiserades och eleverna fick ett frågeformulär om vad de lärde sig under studiebesöket. Tematisk analys användes för att analysera elevernas svar. Resultatet visar att studiebesöket ökade elevernas intresse för forskning och vikten av att utforma stationer så att de är kopplade till elevernas tidigare kunskaper och ligger inom deras proximala utvecklingszon.

Tesis por compendio / [ES] Los procesos (foto-)Fenton fueron empleados para degradar fluoroquinolonas (FQ) (una clase de antibióticos sintéticos considerados CEC) como contaminantes modelo en diferentes condiciones: pH (3 - 8), concentración de contaminante (3 - 300 μM), número de FQ presentes (1, 3 y 5), y matrices de agua (agua ultrapura, salina y de WWTP simulada). Los experimentos se realizaron a escala banco y planta piloto, empleando luz solar (simulada y real) e irradiaciones con luz ultravioleta. Las velocidades de degradación de los contaminantes obtenidas con procesos tipo-Fenton se compararon con las análogas de fotólisis, fotocatálisis heterogénea y H2O2/UV. En igualdad de condiciones, solo a través del proceso foto-Fenton se logró una mineralización significativa de las FQs. En aquellos casos en los que el carbono orgánico total no mostró una disminución considerable, la razón se atribuye a la liberación de subproductos de oxidación. EEM-PARAFAC ha demostrado ser una técnica económica, veloz y que no requiere del uso de reactivos, para seguir simultáneamente la eliminación de la degradación de hasta 5 FQs fluorescentes presentes en una misma muestra, en presencia de interferencias sin calibrar, y obtener información sobre las posibles estructuras moleculares de los intermediarios de reacción. Los resultados indicaron que la fotólisis por sí sola no es capaz de producir cambios importantes en la estructura de las FQs, mientras que con (foto-)Fenton sí que se observó una notable disminución de los scores de los componentes PARAFAC asociados con los compuestos del tipo FQ. Los ensayos de zona de inhibición empleando E. coli mostraron que la actividad antibiótica disminuyó en paralelo con la desintegración de todos los componentes PARAFAC relacionados con las FQs y subproductos similares a estas. El otro aspecto importante de la tesis fue el uso de procesos Fenton basados en ZVI. Algunos CEC, como los compuestos nitroaromáticos, exhiben tasas de degradación lentas incluso cuando son degradadas por una AOP. El desarrollo de trenes de tratamiento ZVI para la degradación de contaminantes ha despertado un gran interés en los últimos años. Este enfoque consiste en un primer pretratamiento solo con ZVI (es decir, reducción, deshalogenación), seguido del proceso Fenton aprovechando los iones de hierro liberados en el primer paso. Con el fin de analizar las posibles ventajas e inconvenientes de esta estrategia en las aplicaciones de tratamiento de aguas residuales, se ha estudiado este enfoque empleando micropartículas de ZVI (mZVI) comerciales utilizando ácido p-nitrobenzoico (PNBA) como contaminante modelo. Se analizó el efecto de la cantidad inicial de mZVI, H2O2, pH, conductividad, aniones y oxígeno disuelto. Utilizando agua natural en condiciones aeróbicas, pH inicial 3,0, y adicionando 1,4 g/L de mZVI, se consiguió en 2 h una reducción del 83% de PNBA 6 μM en ácido p-aminobenzoico (PABA). Se investigó también la conveniencia de separar las mZVI después de la fase reductora (antes de la etapa Fenton) así como la reutilización de las mZVI. El paso de Fenton contra el PABA, más reactivo que PNBA, requirió 50 mg/L de H2O2 para lograr una eliminación de más del 96% en 15 min a pH 7,5 (pH final del pretratamiento reductivo). Las mZVI reutilizadas fueron efectivas por lo menos por un ciclo completo (reducción/oxidación). Este enfoque puede ser interesante para tratar aguas residuales que contienen contaminantes inicialmente resistentes al radical hidroxilo (HO), pero fácilmente reducibles, pudiendo disminuir su carga tóxica y aumentar su reactividad para un paso de oxidación posterior. / [CA] Fenton i foto-Fenton van ser emprats per a degradar fluoroquinolones (FQ) (una classe d'antibiòtics sintètics considerats CEC) com a contaminants model en diferents condicions: pH (3 - 8), concentració de contaminant (3 - 300 μM), nombre de FQ presents (1, 3 i 5), i matriu d'aigua (aigua ultrapura, salada i de WWTP simulada). Els experiments es van realitzar a escala de laboratori i planta pilot, emprant llum solar (simulada i real) i irradiacions amb llum ultraviolada. Les velocitats de degradació de contaminants obtingudes amb processos tipus-Fenton es van comparar amb fotòlisi, fotocatàlisi heterogènia i H2O2/UV. En igualtat de condicions, només a través del procés foto-Fenton es va aconseguir una mineralització significativa de FQ. En aquells casos en els quals el carboni orgànic total no va mostrar una disminució considerable, la raó s'atribueix a l'alliberament de subproductes d'oxidació. EEM-PARAFAC ha demostrat ser una tècnica econòmica, que no requereix de l'ús de reactius, i ràpida, per a seguir simultàniament l'eliminació de la degradació de fins a 5 FQ fluorescents presents en una mateixa mostra, en presència d'interferències sense calibrar, i obtindre informació sobre les possibles estructures moleculars dels intermediaris de reacció. Els resultats van indicar que la fotòlisi per si sola no és capaç de produir canvis importants en l'estructura de les FQ, mentre que amb (foto-)Fenton, sí que es va observar una notable disminució dels scores dels components PARAFAC associats amb el nucli de FQ. Els assajos de zona d'inhibició que empren E. coli van mostrar que l'activitat antibiòtica va disminuir en paral·lel amb la desintegració de tots els components PARAFAC relacionats amb FQ i subproductes similars a FQ. L'altre aspecte important de la tesi va ser l'ús de processos Fenton basats en ZVI. Alguns CEC, com els compostos nitroaromàtics, exhibeixen taxes de degradació lentes fins i tot quan són degradats per un AOP. El desenvolupament de trens de tractament basats en ZVI per a la degradació de contaminants ha despertat un gran interés en els últims anys. Aquesta aproximaciót consisteix en un primer pretractament amb ZVI (és a dir, reducció, deshalogenación), seguit del procés Fenton aprofitant els ions de ferro alliberats en el primer pas. Amb la finalitat d'analitzar els possibles avantatges i inconvenients d'aquesta estratègia en les aplicacions de tractament d'aigües residuals, s'han emprat micropartícules de ZVI (mZVI) comercials. Utilitzant àcid p-nitrobenzoic (PNBA) com a contaminant model, es va analitzar l'efecte de la quantitat inicial de mZVI, H2O2, pH, conductivitat, anions i oxigen dissolt. Utilitzant aigua natural en condicions aeròbiques, pH inicial 3,0, i addicionant 1,4 g/L de mZVI, es va aconseguir en 2 h una reducció del 83% de PNBA 6 μM a àcid p-aminobenzoic (PABA). Es va investigar també la conveniència d'eliminar les mZVI després de la fase reductora (abans de l'etapa Fenton) així com la reutilització de les mZVI. El pas de Fenton front el PABA, més reactiu que PNBA, va requerir 50 mg/L de H2O2 per a aconseguir una eliminació de més del 96% en 15 min a pH 7,5 (pH final del pretractament reductiu). Les mZVI reutilitzades van ser efectives almenys amb un cicle complet (reducció/oxidació). Aquest enfocament pot ser interessant per a tractar aigües residuals que contenen contaminants inicialment resistents al HO, però que es redueixen fàcilment, podent disminuir la seua càrrega tòxica i augmentar la seua reactivitat per a un pas d'oxidació posterior. / [EN] Dark Fenton and photo-Fenton were employed to degrade Fluoroquinolones (FQs) (a class of synthetic antibiotics considered CEC) as model pollutants under different conditions: pH (3 - 8), pollutant concentration (3 - 300 μM), number of present FQs (1, 3 and 5), and water matrix (ultra-pure, salty and simulated wastewater). Experiments were performed at bench and pilot plant scales, employing sunlight (simulated and real) and ultraviolet light irradiations. Obtained pollutant abatement rates with Fenton-related processes were compared with photolysis, heterogeneous photocatalysis and H2O2/UV. At equal conditions, only through photo-Fenton process significant FQs mineralization were achieved. In those cases where total organic carbon had not exhibit a considerable decrease, the reason was attributed to the release of oxidation by-products. Since FQs are fluorescent, we decided to employ fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEM) in combination with the chemometric tool, Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC), to track their degradations. Although EEM-PARAFAC related studies are usually focused towards the characterization and monitoring of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in natural waters and wastewater effluents (work also included in this PhD Thesis following the DOM along the different stages of a drinking water plant), it is barely the first time that it is used for the purposes we have here proposed. The objective is demonstrating that EEM-PARAFAC could be a feasible complementary methodology for the study of fluorescent CECs degradations, avoiding the use of expensive and sophisticated techniques (e.g mass spectrometry), not always available. The other important aspect of the PhD Thesis was the use of ZVI-based Fenton processes. Some CECs such as nitroaromatic compounds, exhibit slow degradation rates even with AOPs. The development of new and more efficient ZVI treatment trains for pollutant degradation has been attracting great interest in the last few years. This approach consists of a first pre-treatment only with ZVI (i.e. reduction, dehalogenation), followed by a Fenton oxidation taking advantage of the released iron ions from the first step. In order to analyse the strategy's plausible advantages and potential drawbacks within wastewater treatment applications, reductive/oxidative treatment train based on commercial ZVI microparticles (mZVI) has been studied. The effect of the initial amount of mZVI, H2O2, pH, conductivity, anions, dissolved oxygen were analysed using p-nitrobenzoic acid (PNBA) as model pollutant. 83% reduction of PNBA 6 μM into p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) was achieved in natural water at initial pH 3.0 and 1.4 g/L of mZVI under aerobic conditions in 2 h. An evaluation of the convenience of removing mZVI after the reductive phase (before the Fenton oxidation one) was investigated together with mZVI reusability. The Fenton step against the more reactive PABA required 50 mg/L of H2O2 to achieve more than 96% removal in 15 min at pH 7.5 (final pH from the pre-reductive step). At least one complete reuse cycle (reduction/oxidation) was obtained with the separated mZVI. This approach might be interesting to treat wastewater containing pollutants initially resistant to hydroxyl radical (HO), but easily reduced, being able to decrease its toxic load as well as increasing its reactivity for a subsequent oxidation step. / Sciscenko, IM. (2021). Emerging Photochemical Processes Involving Iron for Wastewater Treatment [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/177357 / Compendio

The thesis mainly focused on the implementation of advanced oxidation processes for the elimination of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-ketoprofen, naproxen and piroxicam in waters. The three compounds are among the most used medicines, whose presence in waters poses a potential ecotoxicological risk. Due to the low pharmaceuticals removal efficiency of traditional wastwater treatement plants, worldwide concerns and calls are raised for efficient and eco-friendly technologies. Advanced oxidation processes, such as ozonation-biofiltration, electro-Fenton and anodic oxidation processes, which attracted a growing interest over the last two decades, could achieve almost complete destruction of the pollutants studied. Firstly, removal of selected pharmaceuticals from tap water was investigated by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes "electro-Fenton" and "anodic oxidation" with Pt or boron-doped diamond anode and carbon felt cathode at lab-scale. Removal rates and minieralization current efficencies under different operatioanl conditions were analysed. Meanwhile, intermediates produced during the mineralization were also identified, which helps to propose plausible oxidation pathway of each compound in presence of *OH. Finally, the evolution of the global toxicity of treated solutions was monitored using Microtox method, based on the fluorescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri bacteria. In the second part, the three nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory molecules added in organics-free or surface water were treated under varying ozone treatment regimes with the quite well established technology ozone/biofiltration. A bench-scale biological film was employed to determine the biodegradability of chemical intermediates formed in ozonized surface water. Identification of intermediates formed during the processes and bacterial toxicity monitoring were conducted to assess the pharmaceuticals degradation pathway and potential biological effects, respectively

M. Tech. (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences) -- Vaal University of Technology / The widespread use of phenols and phenolic derivatives in industrial applications has resulted in their discharge as part of industrial wastewater. These chemicals are toxic and need to be removed from the aqueous environment. Amongst the available pollutant removal technologies, adsorption has been widely used due to its simplicity, ease of operation, cost-effectiveness and ability to sequester pollutants at very low concentrations. Different adsorbents have been applied for removal of phenols and their derivatives. Use of agricultural waste as adsorbents seems to offer a much cheaper alternative in pollutant removal. This study examines the synthesis of a hydrophobic biomaterial composite by cross-linking of Fenton treated pine cone and applying the prepared adsorbent for 2-nitrophenol removal from aqueous solution. Pine cone biomass, in its raw and modified forms was tested for its ability to remove 2-nitrophenol from simulated industrial wastewater. The experimental procedure is divided into two main parts: (1) pine cone modification using Fenton’s reagent and 1.6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and (2) application of the prepared hydrophobic adsorbent for 2-nitrophenol removal from wastewater. Fenton’s reagent was used to remove pigments, extractives and other soluble organic compounds from the raw pine. FTIR spectroscopy showed an increase in magnitude of oxygenated surface groups which resulted in a decrease in pHpzc. The effect of Fenton treatment on further modification of the pine biomass via cross-linking using 1.6-hexamethylene diisocyanate was investigated. Optimum reaction variables for the cross-linking using dibutyltin dilaurate as catalyst under an inert nitrogen gas atmosphere in anhydrous hexane solvent were determined using FTIR spectroscopy. Success of the cross-linking procedure was confirmed by use of analytical techniques (XRD, TGA, SEM, EDX and BET surface area) and weight percent gain calculations. Pine and modified pine biomass were tested for their ability to sequester 2-nitrophenol via batch adsorption technique. The effect of pine modification on affinity for the biosorbate was investigated. The mechanism of the adsorption process was determined via use of kinetic, diffusion and equilibrium isotherm models. Two error functions (coefficient of determination and percent variable error) were employed to substantiate the model showing a good fit to the experimental adsorption data. The experimental adsorption kinetic data was fit to the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Due to the large size of the pollutant molecules diffusion process analysis was also conducted. The effect of pine modification on kinetic and diffusion parameters was determined. The experimental equilibrium adsorption data was fit to the Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Hill isotherm models. The initial shapes of the adsorption isotherms for 2-nitrophenol adsorption onto pine and modified pine biomass determined the type of equilibrium isotherm models to fit the experimental data to. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated to determine the spontaneity, feasibility and energy changes associated with the adsorption process. The degree of disorder at the solid/liquid interface after the adsorption was determined. The effect of temperature on the adsorption process was used to show whether the adsorption is physical or chemical. The effect of pine modification on equilibrium isotherm parameters was determined. The study is divided into seven chapters: Chapter 1: The chapter covers the introduction, problem statement, aim and objectives of the research. It gives an insight into the research project. Chapter 2: The literature review of pollutants in industrial wastewater and methods of their removal is dealt with in this chapter. Adsorption is introduced as an alternative technique for pollutant removal from aqueous systems. An in-depth review of various adsorbents (including pine cone), their merits and limitations are also discussed together with methods of modifying and use of modified adsorbents. Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic models used to treat adsorption experimental data are presented. Chapter 3: The experimental procedures on the synthesis, characterization and application of the hydrophobic biosorbent in the removal of 2-nitrophenol from aqueous solution are presented. Kinetic and equilibrium experiments are described in detail. Chapter 4: It describes the first part of the results and discussions. The chapter focuses on optimization of reaction variables and characterization (using various analytical techniques) of the hydrophobic biomaterial composite. Chapter 5 The chapter discusses the second part of the results. It focuses on magnitude of surface charge, pHpzc and kinetic studies. Fitting of the adsorption experimental data to kinetic and diffusion models is presented together with the error functions. Chapter 6 The chapter discusses part three of the results on equilibrium studies. The adsorption experimental data is fitted to equilibrium isotherm equations and error determination is presented. Thermodynamic parameters are calculated and interpreted. Chapter 7: Conclusion and recommendations are presented. The optimum reaction variables for cross-linking of Raw and Fenton treated pine cone were determined using FTIR analysis and found to be: 0.2 g pine biomass, 3.5 cm3 1.6-hexamethylene diisocyanate cross-linker, 50 cm3 anhydrous hexane solvent, 1.5 cm3 dibutyltin dilaurate catalyst, temperature of 50 °C and a reaction time of 4 hours. The pine surface showed an increase in phenolic, lactonic and carboxylic acid groups due to the modification. The pHpzc showed a decrease due to modification of the pine cone biomass. The pHpzc values for the pine and modified pine cone biomass were found to be: Raw = 7.49, Raw-HMDI modified = 6.68, Fenton treated pine = 5.40 and Fenton-HMDI modified = 6.12. The optimum pH for the adsorption of 2-nitrophenol onto raw pine and modified pine cone biomass was determined to be 6. The optimum adsorbent dosage was determined as 1.5 g/dm3. The adsorption kinetics show a good fit with the pseudo-second-order model. This suggests that surface adsorption is the controlling step in the adsorption of 2-nitrophenol onto pine cone biomass. The analysis of diffusion processes showed that the initial rapid stage during the adsorption is due to external mass transfer processes. The adsorption experimental data also showed that pore diffusion was rate-limiting amongst the diffusion processes. Pine modification using Fenton’s reagent and 1.6-hexamethylene diisocyanate increased magnitude of kinetic and diffusion parameters. Experimental data for 2-nitrophenol adsorption onto pine and modified pine cone biomass showed better correlation with the Redlich-Peterson and Hill isotherm models and poor correlation with the Freundlich isotherm model. This suggests that the mechanism does not show complete multilayer coverage with cooperative phenomena between adsorbate molecules. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption is feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic and results in a decrease in degree of disorder at the solid/liquid interface. An increase in temperature resulted in a decrease in adsorption capacity showing that the adsorption is physical. Pine modification using Fenton’s reagent and 1.6-hexamethylene diisocyanate increased magnitude of kinetic, diffusion and isotherm parameters. The kinetic and equilibrium results show that the adsorption of 2-nitrophenol onto pine cone biomass follows the order: Fenton treated-HMDI > Fenton treated > Raw-HMDI > Raw. Hence, it can be concluded that Fenton treatment and HMDI cross-linking modification did increase the adsorptive capabilities of the pine cone biomass. / VUT Research Directorate