Treatability of simulated reactive dye-bath wastewater by photochemical and non-photochemical advanced oxidation processes

A number of photochemical and non-photochemical advanced oxidation processe s were employed for the treatment of simulated dyehouse effluents containin g six commercial reactive dyestuffs and various assisting chemicals at conc entrations typically found in the textile dyeing and rinsing process stages . Effects of oxidant (H2O2) and catalyst (Fe2+-ion) dose on decolourization kinetics, reduction in UV254nm and DOC were evaluated for each oxidation p rocess. Treatment efficiencies were also assessed in terms of EE/O and EE/M values to compare electrical energy requirements of the investigated AOPs. UV-light assisted treatment processes were found more effective in DOC and UV254nm removal, whereas the non-photochemical O-3/OH- and O-3/H2O2. oxida tion systems were significantly faster in decolourization of the dyehouse e ffluent than the H2O2/UV treatment process. Results clearly revealed that o nce optimal reaction conditions were established, the inhibiting effect of the complex wastewater matrix could be overcome and dyehouse effluent ingre dients degraded successfully by all examined AOPs at feasible treatment tim es and electrical energy consumption.