Solar light and ultrasound-assisted rapid Fenton’s oxidation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol: comparison, optimisation, and mineralisation

Abstract

Chlorophenols are the persistent organic contaminants released in the aquatic bodies by industrial manufacturing units. Treatment of phenolic wastewater is an arduous process for conventional treatment methods because of their high stability and complexity. The present study deals with degradation of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol, using Photo-Fenton’s process. The study commences the optimisation and validation of different regulating parameters like pH, oxidant (H2O2), and Fe2+ ions at variable concentration in batch mode. At pH 3.0, Fe2+ 0.5 mM, and H2O2 (10.0 mM), complete degradation of trichlorophenol was observed within 6 min of reaction time. The mineralisation of the model pollutant was studied over TOC analyser and HPLC. Response Surface Plots were drawn to define the interactive relationship between process governing Fenton’s process. Under optimized conditions, different Fenton-integrated processes, such as Solar-Fenton, Sono-Fenton, and Sono-Photo-Fenton (UV365), were compared for degradation of TCP. Among all the processes, Solar-Fenton resulted in rapid and complete degradation of TCP within 5 min. The mineralisation efficiency of Fenton’s process, Solar-Fenton, Sono-Fenton, Sono-Photo-Fenton, and Photo-Fenton’s processes were 50%, 98%, 90%, 75%, and 50%, respectively. The results indicated Solar-assisted Fenton as potential and efficient approach toward degradation of Trichlorophenol.