Iron-based catalysts under solar and visible radiation for contaminants of emerging concern removal

• Published in: Energy reports Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 711 - 716
• Main Authors: Domingues, Eva, Gomes, João, Assunção, Nelson, Gmurek, Marta, Quina, Margarida J, Quinta-Ferreira, Rosa M, Martins, Rui C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier 01.02.2020; Elsevier Ltd
• Subjects: Decontamination; Fenton process; Pharmaceuticals; Red mud; Sunlight radiation; Waste management; Sunlight radiation; Waste management; Decontamination; Red mud; Fenton process; Pharmaceuticals
• ISSN: 2352-4847; 2352-4847
• DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2019.09.054

The ubiquitous presence of CBZ, SMX and LRZ in water is a subject of increasing concern. This study represents a new approach in terms of these contaminants' removal through Fenton process in three different ways, employing a solid catalyst, RM, which, alone, is a source of Fe3+ just as much is a source of environmental problems. Alongside RM, 100 mg/L of H2O2 were utilized as the initial solution's pH remained unaltered. It was observed that, at these operating conditions, an appreciable degradation rate of contaminants was achieved. Solar photo-Fenton under visible light radiation led the way by attaining more than 50% removal for all three contaminants, reaching its peak when degrading around 62% of LRZ initially present. Therefore, RM, a residue from the alumina industry, seems to be a promising choice in terms of CECs degradation through Fenton process. Nevertheless, some parameters still need optimization, in order to achieve a better understanding and certainty of this oxidation process' skilfulness for detoxifying CECs from the world's water resources.