The Photo-Fenton-Process utilizing the combinations Fe(II)/H2O2/UVA an
d Fe(III) oxalate/H2O2/UVA was employed with success to degrade bioref
ractory organic pollutants in landfill leachate. The rate of degradati
on of the organic pollutants depends on the concentrations of hydrogen
peroxide and the iron catalyst, the pH value and the concentration of
dissolved oxygen, A comparison of the Photo-Fenton-Process with the H
2O2/Fe(IT) process and the H2O2/UVC process shows that the Photo-Fento
n-Process gives a higher COD degradation and a reduced energy consumpt
ion of at least 30% compared to the H2O2/UVC process. By using photoge
nerated Fe(II) the amount of the iron catalyst required and the volume
of sludge produced are strongly reduced.