Degradation of 1,4-Dioxane by Photo-Fenton Processes

Abstract

1,4-Dioxane is an EPA priority pollutant found in contaminated groundwater and industrial effluents. The common treatment techniques are not effective for 1,4-dioxane degradation. Thus there is a need to find an efficient degradation method such as a photo-Fenton process and understand the degradation mechanism of 1,4-dioxane during such reactions. In this study, the effect of the reaction parameters such as initial concentration of 1,4-dioxane, H₂O₂ and FeSO₄ dosages, and UV light intensity on 1,4-dioxane degradation has been examined. Under optimal conditions, over 95% of 1,4-dioxane is degraded by photo-Fenton (UV with H₂O₂ and FeSO₄), while little 1,4-dioxane is degraded by FeSO₄ alone. It was proposed that 1,4-dioxane was oxidized by OH radicals and sequentially led to formation of malonic acid, formic acid and acrylic acid. Based on the experimental results of 1,4-dioxane, the application of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) appears to be a promising alternative for 1,4-dioxane removal in various environment systems.