DECOMPOSING ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS IN DRY CLEANING WASTEWATER BY FENTON'S REACTION ON RETICULATED IRON

Decomposition of tetrachloroethylene which is used in dry cleaning was studied. Static (vial bottle) and dynamic (circulating apparatus) experiments were performed. The comparison of effectiveness as an iron source for Fenton9s reaction was made among several kinds of iron and reticulated iron was chosen as the best material. While organic chlorine compounds added in pure water were easily decomposed by Fenton9s reaction on porous (reticulated) iron in aqueous phase, it was found difficult to achieve high efficiency in the case of wastewater from the actual laundry process. The reason was estimated to be the coexistence of high COD residuals, such as dirt and organic acids. The combination of circulation and air bubble agitation have even led to the total removal of99.8% of the tetrachloroethylene.