The oxidation of aqueous solutions of Fe(II)NTA was investigated in a
bubble column reactor. The rate of the oxidation reaction was found to
be proportional to the partial pressure of oxygen and to have an orde
r of 0.5 with respect to the Fe(II)NTA concentration. The overall tran
sfer of oxygen appears to be predominantly reaction controlled for Fe(
II)NTA concentrations in the order of 1 mmol l(-1), whereas for high c
oncentrations (100 mmol l(-1)) mass transfer becomes the controlling f
actor. Overall mass transfer coefficients and reaction rate constants
were determined in the range between 25 and 60 degrees C and for a wid
e range of Fe(II)NTA concentrations (5-250 mmol l(-1)).