Title: Photo-Fenton degradation of alachlor, atrazine, chlorfenvinphos, diuron, isoproturon and pentachlorophenol at solar pilot plant

Authors: M.I. Maldonado Rubio, W. Gernjak, I. Oller Alberola, J. Blanco Galvez, P. Fernandez-Ibanez, S. Malato Rodriguez

Addresses: Plataforma Solar de Almeria (CIEMAT), Carretera Senes, Km 4, Tabernas, Almeria 04200, Spain. ' Plataforma Solar de Almeria (CIEMAT), Carretera Senes, Km 4, Tabernas, Almeria 04200, Spain. ' Plataforma Solar de Almeria (CIEMAT), Carretera Senes, Km 4, Tabernas, Almeria 04200, Spain. ' Plataforma Solar de Almeria (CIEMAT), Carretera Senes, Km 4, Tabernas, Almeria 04200, Spain. ' Plataforma Solar de Almeria (CIEMAT), Carretera Senes, Km 4, Tabernas, Almeria 04200, Spain. ' Plataforma Solar de Almeria (CIEMAT), Carretera Senes, Km 4, Tabernas, Almeria 04200, Spain

Abstract: Homogeneous photocatalysis by photo-Fenton processes has been applied to the degradation of six water-soluble pesticides (alachlor, atrazine, chlorfenvinphos, diuron, isoproturon and pentachlorophenol), considered priority substances by the European Union Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC). All tests were performed in a 35-L solar pilot plant with compound parabolic collectors (CPCs) under natural sunlight. The initial concentration tested for all the compounds was 50 mg/L except for those less soluble in water. Two different concentrations of iron were tested, 2 mg/L and 1 mM. All pesticides were successfully degraded and substantially mineralised. Total dechlorination was clearly attained more quickly than 90% of mineralisation in all cases. Several operating parameters, treatment time, hydrogen peroxide consumption and iron concentration, involved in the degradation of the parent compounds and their mineralisation are discussed.

Keywords: advanced oxidation processes; pesticide degradation; iron; photocatalysis; photo-Fenton; solar energy; wastewater treatment; alachlor; atrazine; chlorfenvinphos; diuron; isoproturon; mineralisation; pentachlorophenol; water-soluble pesticides; dechlorination.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2006.010459

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2006 Vol.27 No.1/2/3, pp.135 - 146

Published online: 24 Jul 2006 *

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