Oxidising and disinfecting by hydrogen peroxide produced in a two-electrode cell

Hydrogen peroxide was produced by direct current electrolysis using two ele ctrodes only, a carbon felt cathode and a dimensional stabilised anode (tit anium coated with RuO2), without adding any chemical. The required oxygen w as supplied by water oxidation and by transfer from the atmosphere. The int ensity should be maintained under a maximum value to avoid peroxide reducti on. High peroxide production rate and concentration were then reached. Elec troperoxidation partially removed dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contained in solutions of phenol, salicylic acid, benzoic acid and humic acids. The D OC removal in effluent of municipal sewage plant corresponded to a breakage of the double bonds. Real effluents were significantly disinfected owing t o the direct effect of electric current and the indirect effect of peroxide . Moreover, a remnant effect was ensured. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.