Fenton Oxidation

Mit Water supplies Fenton oxidation systems for advanced treatment of industrial wastewater containing refractory organic compounds that are resistant to conventional biological treatment. The Fenton process generates highly reactive hydroxyl radicals that oxidise a broad spectrum of organic pollutants.

Working Principle

The Fenton reaction uses hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the oxidant and ferrous iron (Fe2+) as the catalyst under acidic conditions (pH 2.5 to 4.0). Ferrous iron catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to produce hydroxyl radicals, which are powerful, non-selective oxidising species. Post-treatment includes pH neutralisation and coagulation to precipitate iron hydroxide sludge.

System Configuration

A complete Fenton system includes pH adjustment tanks, FeSO4 dosing station, H2O2 dosing station, reaction tanks with mixers, neutralisation and coagulation tanks, a clarifier or DAF for sludge separation, and a PLC control panel. All wetted components are constructed from acid-resistant materials including PP, HDPE or rubber-lined carbon steel.

Fenton oxidation is applied to wastewaters containing recalcitrant organic pollutants:

  • Chemical and petrochemical wastewater with refractory COD
  • Pharmaceutical and pesticide manufacturing wastewater
  • Textile dyeing wastewater colour removal
  • Landfill leachate treatment
  • Pulp and paper mill bleaching effluent
  • Pre-treatment before biological processes to improve biodegradability

Technical Parameters

COD Removal60% to 90%
Operating pH2.5 to 4.0 (reaction); 7.0 to 8.5 (neutralisation)
H2O2 Dosage0.5 to 5.0 kg H2O2 per kg COD removed
Fe2+:H2O2 RatioTypically 1:2 to 1:10 (by weight)
Reaction Time30 to 120 minutes
Tank MaterialPP, HDPE, or rubber-lined carbon steel
Control SystemPLC with pH/ORP-based dosing control