Evaluation of the photo-Fenton process on discoloration of a commercial textile dye

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the applicability of photo-Fenton process for the degradation of a red colored commercial dye (Guarany® Tingecor 09). The process optimization was performed using a 23 factorial design, varying the volumes added of Fe3+ and H2O2 and the pH of the medium. The solutions containing the dye and the Fenton reagent were irradiated in a photoreactor equipped with a mercury vapor lamp of 125 W and the process development was accompanied by the acquisition of the absorption spectra UV-Vis in 10-minute intervals. The experimental design has shown that the best results were obtained with less amount of Fe3+ (0.1 ml), larger volume of H2O2 (1.0 mL) and pH 5. The efficiency of the dye decolorization was evaluated by a phytotoxicity test employing Lactuca sativa L. seeds. The results showed to be satisfactory for the dye decolorization, and the wastes produced in the degradation process didn’t show toxicity.

Keywords

• corante
• fotodegradação
• processos oxidativos avançados
• química ambiental