Discoloration of Dye Wastewater By Modified Uv-Fenton Process With Sodium Percarbonate

A modified Fenton process using sodium percarbonate (SP), as an alternative source of H2O2, and UV radiation was investigated to discoloration of dye wastewater containing Acid Green 16 (concentration 100 mg/dm³). This acid dye is characterized by the harmful effect on aquatic organisms and it may cause adverse effects in the aquatic environment. The experiments were carried out in two systems, in which two lamps were used as a UV radiation source: low pressure (system I) and medium pressure (system II). The effect of SP dosage (100-400 mg/dm³ – system I; and 100-250 mg/dm³ – system II), Fe²⁺/SP ratio (from 0.2 to 0.4), reaction pH (3 and 4) and reaction time (from 10 to 30 min) on colour removal efficiency was examined. The modified Fenton process was found to be very efficient for discoloration of simulated wastewater. For a system with a low pressure UV lamp the optimal doses of SP and Fe²⁺/SP ratio were 400 mg/dm³ and 0.2, respectively at pH 3 and 20 minutes reaction time. For a system with a medium pressure UV lamp the optimal doses of SP and Fe²⁺/SP ratio were 200 mg/dm³ and 0.33, respectively at pH 3 and 20 minutes reaction time. In both cases, at described conditions total visual discoloration was achieved. Better results of colour removal (concentration of Acid Green 16 was in the range of 0.64-0.96 mg/dm³) were achieved when the initial pH value equalled 3.0 than at initial pH value of 4.0 (concentration of Acid Green 16 was in the range of 0.80-6.87 mg/dm³).