Influence of inorganic ions on MTBE degradation by Fenton's reagent

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 2007-08, Vol.147 (1), p.497-502
• Main Authors: Siedlecka, Ewa M., Więckowska, Anna, Stepnowski, Piotr
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and physicochemical phenomena; Chemical engineering; Chlorides; Environmental Restoration and Remediation - methods; Exact sciences and technology; Fenton system; Hydrogen Peroxide - chemistry; Inhibition; Inorganic ions; Ions; Iron - chemistry; Methyl Ethers - chemistry; MTBE; Natural water pollution; Oxidation-Reduction; Perchlorates; Phosphates; Pollution; Reactors; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification - methods; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.01.044

The effect of selected inorganic anions on the effectiveness of the Fenton advanced oxidative treatment of waters contaminated with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) was examined. With respect to the chloride or phosphate ions used, inhibition of oxidation was clearly in evidence, whereas addition of sulfates or perchlorates influenced these rates to a much smaller extent. Anions suppress MTBE decomposition in the following sequence: ClO 4 − < SO 4 2− < Cl − < H 2PO 4 −. There are very probably several mechanisms affecting oxidation. Complexation reactions with iron are likely to affect the distribution and reactivity of iron species with H 2O 2. Hydroxyl radicals may also be scavenged from less reactive inorganic radicals. Additionally, in order to explore the degradation mechanism of MTBE by Fenton's reagent in the presence of different salts, four intermediate products of MTBE oxidation were identified: tert-butyl formate (TBF), tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), acetone, and methyl acetate (MA).