Experimental Studies on Application of Potassium Ferrate for 3-methylphenol Removal from Solution in Laboratory

Abstract With a series of experimental studies on oxidation by using potassium ferrate for removal of 3-methylphenol (m- cresol) in the laboratory, the results showed that the removal efficiencies were definitely impacted by pH values, initial concentration of 3-methylphenol solutions and added K2FeO4 dosage. The optimal pH values needed to be controlled at two intervals at 5.0-6.0 or 9.0 respectively when the advantageous input of K2FeO4 should have a mole ratio about 4:1 or 3:1 to 3-methylphenol concentrations. At pH6.0 and 20 °C, the maximum removal of 3- methylphenol with the initial concentrations of 50-300 mg/L could reach 70% if the mole ratio between the added K2FeO4 and 3-methylphenol was 3:1 in the solution during the reaction time of 30 min. The existence of inorganic salts such as MgSO4 could significantly affect the removal rates, for instance, the removal of 3 - methylphenol could be enhanced by 25% if adding MgSO4. into the reaction solution.