Abstract
The oxidation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by persulfate (S 2O 8 2−) activated with heat, Fe 2+, and zero-valent iron (Fe(0)) was investigated via batch experiments. It was hypothesized that elevated temperature and the addition of Fe 2+ or Fe(0) into a persulfate-water system could enhance the oxidation of PVA by activated persulfate. Increasing the temperature from 20 to 60 °C or 80 °C accelerated the oxidation rate of PVA, which achieved complete oxidation in 30 and 10 min, respectively. At 20 °C, the addition of Fe 2+ or Fe(0) to the persulfate-water system significantly enhanced the oxidation of PVA. The optimal persulfate-to-Fe 2+ or Fe(0) molar ratio was found to be 1:1. Complete oxidation of PVA was obtained by Fe(0)-activated persulfate in 2 h. Synergistic activation of persulfate by heat and Fe 2+ or Fe(0) was also shown to enhance the oxidation of PVA in the persulfate-water system. By using GC–MS analysis, an oxidation product of PVA was identified as vinyl acetic acid (C 4H 6O 2), which is readily biodegradable. Our results suggest that the oxidative treatment of PVA by activated persulfate is a viable option for the pretreatment of PVA-laden wastewater to enhance its biodegradability.
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