Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to use a combinational process of catalytic oxidation of hydrogen peroxide (CWPO) and activated carbon for improving the removal efficiency of organic matter. Materials and Methods: The effect of the operational parameters such as residence time (30 90 minutes), reaction temperature (100 300 C) in the pressure 10 bar, and catalytic iron concentration were investigated. The effect of the catalytic method, catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO), along with the absorption process, on granular activated carbon (GAC), powdered activated carbon (PAC), PAC/Cl2, and GAC/Fe were considered; oxygen is used to supply pressure and H2O2 is applied as the main oxidant in various concentrations. Results: The removal efficiency of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was over 35, obtained in one hour of retention time, with the wet air oxidation (WAO) process, and the removal efficiencies of GAC, PAC, and PAC/Cl2, at a temperature of 300 C, and activated carbon concentration of 2 g/l, were 43.4, 38.9, and 33.6, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that the reaction temperature, residence time, and H2O2 dose are the most important factors affecting the degradation of organic matter. The GAC/Fe catalyst process had a higher efficiency than other absorbents for organic matter oxidation. © 2012 Medknow. All Rights Reserved.