Fenton-like degradation of di-n-butyl phthalate in landfill leachate by endogenous catalysts or iron, copper and manganese loaded bottom sediments

Abstract

The work detailed here investigated the efficiency of heterogeneous Fenton-like processes in degrading endocrine-disrupting chemicals leached from plastics to landfill leachates, as exemplified by di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). Specifically, a heterogeneous Fenton process was applied, as catalysed by two natural/endogenous and two modified bottom sediments. While the effectiveness of DBP degradation was indeed influenced by sediment type and composition, it was also affected by the factors of type of leachate, pH, time, sediment/catalysts and H2O2 dose. Sediments modified by impregnation with FeMnCu5%i as a catalyst were characterized by the highest catalytic activity (with almost 95% DBP degradation observed). Natural, endogenous catalysts in the form of dredged bottom sediments have also proved effective in the process studied. The use of bottom sediments in the role of alternative heterogeneous catalysts in Fenton processes thus represents a promising alternative environmental remediation technology, given their abundance, low cost and environment-friendly nature.