Enhanced degradation of paracetamol by UV-C supported photo-Fenton process over Fenton oxidation.

For the treatment of paracetamol in water, the UV-C Fenton oxidation process and classic Fenton oxidation have been found to be the most effective. Paracetamol reduction and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal are measured as the objective functions to be maximized. The experimental conditions of the degradation of paracetamol are optimized by the Fenton process. Irifluent pH 3, initial H2O2 dosage 60 mg/L, 1H2O2]/[Fe2+] ratio 60:1 are the optimum conditions observed for 20 mgIL initial paracetamol concentration. At the optimum conditions, for 20 mg/L of initial paracetamol concentration, 82% paracetamol reduction and 68% COD removal by Fenton oxidation, and 91% paracetamol reduction and 82% COD removal by UV-C Fenton process are observed in a 120 mm reaction time. By HPLC analysis, 100% removal of paracetamol is observed at the above optimum conditions for the Fenton process in 240 mm and for the UV-C photo-Fenton process in 120 mm. The methods are effective and they may be used in the paracetamol industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]