Kinetic Modeling of Fenton Degradation and Photo-Fenton of a Water Herbicide

Abstract

This study is focused on the kinetic modelling of the Fenton and photo-Fenton degradation of a model pollutant (atrazine) in aqueous solution. The effects of hydrogen peroxide, ferric ion and radiation level on the degradation processes have been investigated.
The experimental work was performed in a well stirred tank laboratory reactor irradiated from both sides with two tubular UV-lamps. The reaction rate expressions are derived from an accepted reaction mechanism and explicitly taking into account the local volumetric rate of photon absorption existing in the photoreactor. Afterward, the proposed kinetic model and the experimental data were used to estimate the kinetic parameters.
Model predictions were compared with experimental data, and a good agreement was obtained. The maximum root mean square error (RMSE) for all the estimations was < 2%.
The obtained results indicate that Fenton and photo-Fenton processes are a possible way to improve the biodegradability of a wastewater containing commercial atrazine.