Fenton’s reagent application in the domestic sewers disinfection

Abstract

This paper investigated the application of advanced oxidative processes – Fenton’s reagent - in wastewater disinfection. The treatments included the variation of the hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ions concentrations (Fe2+/H2O2) and pH values. The sewage samples were collected at Ilha do Governador Wastewater Treatment Plant (ETIG) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before the biological treatment with activated sludge. The average pH fluctuated from 6.5 to 7.2 and the most common value was 6.7. The reactions with the Fenton´s reagents, as well as the beginning of the analysis occurred within 24 hours after the sewage sample`s collection. The oxidative process, its behavior and the treatment effectiveness have been monitored by microorganism counting, COD, BOD, ammoniacal nitrogen and others. The results have shown a total elimination of the fecal coliforms in the wastewater samples when treated with H2O2 and Fe2+ in concentrations of 200 mg/L of 50 mg/L, respectively.