Research on process optimization of Fenton reagent degradation of simulated phenol wastewater

Zhuji Environmental Sanitation Management Center, Zhuji, China

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Abstract

Phenol wastewater exhibits high toxicity and poor biodegradability, posing significant hazards to the ecological environment and human health. This study employed the Fenton method to treat simulated phenol wastewater (20 mg/L) and systematically investigated the effects of Fe²⁺ (FeSO₄) dosage, H₂O₂ dosage, initial pH, reaction time, and temperature on phenol removal efficiency. The experimental results show that the optimal process conditions were: FeSO₄ dosage 0.01 g/100 mL, H₂O₂ dosage 3 mL/100 mL (approximately 30 mmol/L), initial pH = 3, reaction time 40 min, and reaction temperature 25 °C. Under these conditions, the phenol removal rate reached 96.6%. Mechanistic analysis indicates that excessive Fe²⁺ would consume ·OH and increase color; excessive H₂O₂ concentration would lead to ineffective decomposition; an acidic environment (pH ≈ 3) favors the generation of ·OH; the reaction tended to complete within 40 min; and moderate heating could accelerate the reaction, but excessive temperature (>25 °C) would promote H₂O₂ decomposition, thereby reducing oxidation efficiency. This study provides parameter references for the application of Fenton technology in treating low- concentration phenol wastewater