Process optimization of BTEX degradation from petrochemical effluent using integrated advanced oxidation

Abstract

In this study, an integral treatment consisted of UV/Fenton/ TiO2 system in the batch systems was developed to perform degradation of synthetic Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene, and Xylene (BTEX). Initially, the efficiency of photo Fenton catalytic degradation was compared with conventional treatment methods. Later, optimum levels of selected variables such as the initial concentration of BTEX, pH, temperature, reaction time, and initial dosage of TiO2 were analyzed using one factor at a time method. Further, screening of variables and optimization were performed using Planckett-Burman design and central composite design, respectively. Photo Fenton catalytic process showed about 1.15 fold increase in efficiency when compared with photo Fenton process. Among the selected seven variables, four variables namely, initial pH, BTEX concentration, H2O2 dosage and TiO2 dosage were identified as significant factors. Under the optimal conditions, chemical oxygen demand reduction reached about 84.54 ± 2.57% using UV/Fenton/ TiO2 system. Finally, first-order kinetic model resulted in prediction of 19.43 kJ/mol of activation energy. Thus, process optimization and kinetic study using the developed photo Fenton catalytic system could be beneficial for real time waste containing BTEX pollutants.