Optimization of Brazilian TNT industry wastewater treatment using combined zero-valent iron and fenton processes

This work explores the optimization of combined zero-valent iron and fenton processes for the treatment of TNT industry wastewater, a residue with recognized polluting potential due to its high concentration of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and extremely acidic pH due of the nature of the product purification process. The results of the optimization study indicate that the most efficient condition for reducing the concentration of TNT also generates sufficient amounts of iron(II)for the subsequent oxidative treatment through the Fenton reaction. In general, it was observed that the treatment was highly efficient in terms of meeting the main associated environmental parameters, since it reduced acute toxicity, removed 100% of TNT, 100% of the organic nitrogen and 95.4% of the COD. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.