The presence of pharmaceuticals in wastewaters has been reported to be an environmental issue of great significance because of its consequences over ecosystems and human health. Photo-Fenton process has shown to be effective as an alternative to remediate wastewaters containing this kind of contaminants.  In this work, the photo-Fenton degradation of paracetamol (PCT) (15 L, 40 mg L-1) has been addressed. The treatment performance has been analyzed under a factorial design and the efficiency of the degradation process has been evaluated considering the decay of PCT and total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations and the biological oxygen demand, BOD5. Light influence has also been assessed and the photonic efficiency for the photooxidation of paracetamol by photo-Fenton process has been determined.  Results characterizing the treatment output dependence on factors such as hydrogen peroxide, iron (II) and photonic efficiency, allow determining enhanced conditions for the photo-Fenton degradation of paracetamol solutions.

Photodegradation of paracetamol by photo-Fenton process

245th National Meeting (2013)

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