A dual perspective (conventional and solar-enhanced) on advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of Agave cocui vinasses

Agave cocui vinasse was physicochemically characterized with reference to the relevant environmental regulations. The following results were obtained: COD: 71,000 mg.L-1, total solids: 21,000 mg.L-1, dissolved solids: 17,000 mg.L-1; pH: 4.06, conductivity: 9.45 mhoscm-1, total Fe: 48.83 mg.L-1, total phenols: 8.66 mg.L-1; BOD: 30,000 mg.L-1. Fenton and photo-Fenton reactions were applied to treat the wastewater produced. For the Fenton process, the optimal oxidation conditions found were pH = 3.48, [COD]:[H2O2] mass ratio = 1:5, and [Fe+2]: [H2O2] mass ratio = 1:6. For the photo-Fenton process, the optimal parameters found were: pH = 3.98, [COD]:[H2O2] = 1:7.86, and [Fe+2]: [H2O2] = 1:5. The experimental data were adjusted to fit second order polynomial models with R2 = 0.88 for the Fenton process and R2 = 0.91 for the photo-Fenton process, respectively. The sludge produced featured the following characteristics: average COD: 41,000 mg.L-1, total Fe: 296,000 mg.L-1, pH: 7.7. The variables with the greatest influence in both processes were [Fe+2]:[H2O2] and [COD]:[H2O2].