Photochemical Degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol in Aqueous Solutions by Fe2+/ Peroxydisulfate/ UV Process

Abstract

Phenol and its derivatives are one of the most common contaminants in the aquatic ecosystem. Because of high toxicity of 2,4-DCP for aquatic life, resistance to biodegradation and potential for biological accumulation it is known as a priority contaminant in the aquatic environment. Advanced Oxidation Processes were successfully used for degradation of non-biodegradable contaminants that are resistant to conventional treatment processes. So, it would be interesting that advance oxidation technologies was used which apply such effective radicals as radicals (SO4). In present study, effects of concentrations of 2,4-DCP, Fe2+, peroxydisulfate (PDS) and pH value were investigated on the 2,4-DCP photochemical degradation efficiency. The increase of pH value negatively influenced the removal efficiency and reaction rate constant while an increase in the Fe2+  and (PDS) concentrations increased both the removal efficiency and reaction rate constant. In addition, the reaction rate constant increased linearly with increasing (PDS) concentration. In this study, in general, PDS was found as the most effective factor on the degradation of 2,4-DCP by Fe2+/PDS/UV.