Use of Fenton reagent to improve organic chemical biodegradability

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.