Decolorization of Acid Red 1 using natural zeolite via heterogeneous fenton-like oxidation

Abstract

Fenton process can be regarded as powerful and effective method in decolorization and mineralization of dye pollutants. However, this method is restricted with the generation of iron waste sludge which require secondary treatment. This limitation can be overcome by utilizing heterogeneous Fenton process where iron ions are immobilized onto the catalyst support. In the present study, the heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation using Fe-natural zeolite (Fe-NZ) was investigated in decolorization of azo dye Acid Red 1 (AR1). The effects of iron ions loading, catalyst dose and initial pH on the decolorization of AR1 were evaluated. The maximum decolorization efficiency of 99.60% was achieved at 0.80 wt% of iron ions loading, 5.0 g/L of catalyst dose, and at 2.5 initial pH. The Fe-NZ showed high catalytic performance for decolorization of AR1 and could be regarded as a suitable low-cost catalyst in heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction.