Abstract:
In this work, an emerging and innovative Fe°/chlorine system, similar to the Fenton process,
was tested for the removal of four synthetic dyes: OA7, H3G, AG25, and TB. A significant portion
was then dedicated to a detailed parametric study on the first dye (OA7). The Fe°/chlorine process can
be highly effective for wastewater treatment. The reaction between Fe° and chlorine generates
numerous free radicals capable of rapidly oxidizing organic matter in aqueous solutions. Experiments
conducted under operating conditions (pH 3, [chlorine]0 = 250 μM, and [OA7]0 = 20 mg/L) with OA7
showed that approximately 86.7% removal of OA7 was achieved after only 5 minutes of treatment.
The efficiency of removal increases with chlorine and iron doses up to a certain optimal level. The
study also presents the sensitivity of the process to operating parameters, mineral additives, and natural
matrices. Given these encouraging results, it is relevant to explore these emerging Fe°/chlorine
systems, akin to Fenton-type processes, given their ease of implementation with simple, readily
available, and cost-effective reagents at pH 3.
