Assessment of the Fe(III)–EDDS Complex in Fenton-Like Processes: From the Radical Formation to the Degradation of Bisphenol A

Abstract

The present work describes, for the first time, the use of a new and strong complexing agent, ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) in the homogeneous Fenton process. The effect of H(2)O(2) concentration, Fe(III)-EDDS concentration, pH value, and oxygen concentration on the homogeneous Fenton degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) used as a model pollutant, was investigated. Surprisingly, the performance of BPA oxidation in an EDDS-driven Fenton reaction was found to be much higher at near neutral or basic pH than at acidic pH. Inhibition and probe studies were conducted to ascertain the role of several radicals (e.g., (•)OH, HO(2)(•)/O(2)(•-)) on BPA degradation. This unexpected effect of pH on Fenton reaction efficiency could be due to the formation of HO(2)(•) or O(2)(•-) radicals and to the presence of different forms of the complex Fe(III)-EDDS as a function of pH. Indeed, the reduction of Fe(III)-EDDS to Fe(II)-EDDS is a crucial step that governs the formation of hydroxyl radical, mainly responsible for BPA degradation. In addition to its ability to maintain iron in soluble form, EDDS acts as a superoxide radical-promoting agent, enhancing the generation of Fe(II) (the rate limiting step) and therefore the production of (•)OH radicals. These results are very promising because they offer an important new treatment option at higher range of pH values and more particularly at pHs encountered in natural conditions.