Removal of 2,4 Di-Chlorophenol Using Persulfate Activated with Ultrasound from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

Background: Chlorophenols are an abundant class of xenobiotic compounds which is excessively available in industrial effluent which are resist to biological degradation and stable in the environment for exceptionally long periods of time. Therefore, the removal of 2,4 di-chlorophenol (2,4 DCP) from aqueous solutions is recommended due to its toxicity and health risks. Methods: In this study, the removal of 2,4 DCP using persulfate activated with ultrasonic waves in frequency of 40 kHz was studied. The effects of operational parameters such as pH of solution (3-10), initial concentration of 2,4 DCP (50- 100mg/L), the amount of persulfate concentration (1-5 mM) and different ionic strength in different contact time were investigated. Results: Results of the study indicated that the 2,4 DCP removal rate was influenced by operational parameters such as pH of solutions, persulfate concentration, contact time and initial concentration of 2,4 DCP and is not related to ionic strength in different amount. The optimal conditions were achieved in pH=3, persulfate concentration of 4 mM and initial concentration of 50mg/L of th organic matter which more than 95% of 2,4 DCP was removed in 60 min. Conclusion: The result of this study indicated that combined ultrasonic and persulfate process in optimal conditions, as a acceptable alternative, can be used as an alternative technology for treatment of various industrial wastewater contained 2,4 DCP.