Fenton reagent has been used to test the degradation of different organic c
ompounds (formic acid, phenol, 4-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol and nitro
benzene) in aqueous solution. A stoichiometric coefficient for the Fenton r
eaction was found to be 0.5mol of organic compound/mol of hydrogen peroxide
, except for the formic acid where a value of approximately one was obtaine
d (due to the direct formation of carbon dioxide). The treatment eliminates
the toxic substances and increases the biodegradability of the treated wat
er (measured as the ratio BOD5/COD). Biodegradability is attained when the
initial compound is removed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese
rved.