COD Removal of High Organic Content Wastewater: Optimization of the Fenton Oxidation Process

Abstract

In this study, the effect of on the removal of COD of the treatability of landfill leachate and olive mill wastewaters by Fenton oxidation (Fe2+/H2O2) process were investigated. In experimental studies for both wastewaters; pH, Fe (II) and H2O2 concentrations, reaction time and temperature parameters were examined. The maximum COD removal for the olive mill wastewater was 72.17% in 60 minutes. Optimum conditions for the treatment; 25 °C temperature, pH 4, 3400 mg/L H2O2, 560 mg/L Fe (II) and Fe2+/H2O2 molar ratio was determined as 0.1. The maximum COD removal for the landfill leachate was 80.37% in 30 minutes. Optimum conditions for the treatment; 25 °C temperature, pH 3, 2000 mg/L H2O2, 2000 mg/L Fe (II) and Fe (II)/H2O2 molar ratio was determined as 0.6. The experimental results show that Fenton’s oxidation process successfully achieved very good COD removal efficiency over 70% for both high organic content wastewater and this process can be considered as a preliminary treatment, alternative to existing treatment systems.

Keywords: Fenton oxidation, Landfill leachate, Olive mill wastewater, Chemical oxygen demand.