Degradation of Dyes in Real Textile Industry Wastewater Samples by Fenton Process

This research proposes a solution to the problem of industrial safety and the improvement of environmental processes in the textile industry through the degradation of dyes from its processes using the Fenton reaction. This advanced oxidation technology makes it possible to reduce the possible environmental impacts caused by the organic matter generated in industrial activity. Sampling was conducted under real operating conditions in the homogenization tank of the Industrias Printex SAS wastewater treatment plant. Advanced oxidation was carried out applying the Fenton process using iron from ferrous sulfate heptahydrate as a catalyst and hydrogen peroxide at different concentrations in a 6-post flocculator. Among the results obtained, an optimal dose of 571 ppm of iron and 38 ppm of hydrogen peroxide was found through statistical analysis with the STATGRAPHICS program using the 2k factorial design and constructing response surfaces. A comparative study between the Fenton treatments, treatment with hydrogen peroxide, and treatment with ferrous sulfate heptahydrate showed the Fenton reaction at neutral pH, attributed to the presence of some organic acids such as citric acid, used as a chelating agent (Fenton modified). The proposed treatment was compared with the one that uses chlorine, applying it in three (3) different tanks through a multifactorial ANOVA with the data collected when scaling the treatment, finding that the proposed Fenton treatment is more efficient. This research was innovative because it demonstrated the feasibility of scaling up the Fenton process to neutral pH in a textile wastewater treatment plant, reducing operating costs and minimizing environmental impact.