NITROTOLUENE DESTRUCTION BY UV-CATALYZED FENTON OXIDATION

The capacity of UV-catalyzed Fenton oxidation to destroy mono-, di-and trinitrotoluenes (MNT, DNT, TNT) in aqueous solution was evaluated. M ononitrotoluenes were rapidly destroyed by Fenton oxidation in the dar k at pH 3.0 or by UV/Fenton oxidation without pH adjustment. UV/Fenton oxidation at pH 3.0 was most effective for DNT and TNT destruction Th e number and position of nitro substitutions influenced oxidation rate : 2-nitrotoluene > 4-nitrotoluene > 2,4-dinitrotoluene > 2,6-dinitroto luene > 2,4, 6-trinitrotoluene. UV/Fenton oxidation mineralized more t han 95% of the TNT in aqueous extracts of contaminated soil. While dis solved humic and fulvic acids differentially influenced destruction ra te, total TNT destroyed after 4 h was not greatly affected. Our result s demonstrated that UV-catalyzed Fenton oxidation effectively destroye d nitrotoluenes in water and aqueous extracts of contaminated soil. (C ) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.