Fenton-like oxidation of malachite green solutions: Kinetic and thermodynamic study

Abstract

Oxidation by Fenton-like (Fe3+/H2O2) reactions is proven to be an economically feasible process for destruction of a variety of hazardous pollutants in wastewater. In this study, the degradation and mineralization of malachite green dye are reported using Fenton-like reaction. The effects of different parameters like pH of the solution, the initial concentrations of Fe3+, H2O2, and dye, temperature, and added electrolytes (Cl- and SO 4 2 -) on the oxidation of the dye were investigated. Optimized condition was determined. The efficiency of 95.5% degradation of MAG after 15 minutes of reaction at pH 3 was obtained. TOC removal indicates partial and insignificant mineralization of malachite green dye. The results of experiments showed that degradation of malachite green dye in Fenton-like oxidation process can be described with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic constants of the Fenton oxidation process were evaluated. The results implied that the oxidation process was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. The results will be useful for designing the treatment systems of various dye-containing wastewaters. © 2013 Saeedeh Hashemian.