Application of an ultrasonic field, hydrogen peroxide and the fenton process in removing DEHP from bottom sediments

Abstract

The work described here considered the effectiveness with which di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate might be removed from the solid matrix of bottom sediments using an ultrasonic field, hydrogen peroxide and the Fenton process. This was tested considering the influence of time, pH, amplitude of vibration, reagent dose and initial pollution content. The ultrasonic field applied had a vibration frequency of 20 kHz and a maximum acoustic wave intensity of 5.16 W/cm2. In the event, the highest efficiency obtained was 66.20%, where C0 = 10 mg/kg d.w., the pH value was 10 and the reaction was allowed to continue for 1 hour. Such a process proved more effective than hydrogen peroxide or the Fenton process, the removal efficiency after 1 h was at the level of 5.14% and 14.18%, respectively (pH = 3, C0 = 10 mg/kg d.w.). The ultrasonic field was ineffective in removing DEHP in the acid reaction medium. After 1 h of the process, the efficiency of DEHP removal was 2.54%.