Efficiency removal of phenol, lead and cadmium by means of UV/TiO2/H2O2 processes

A variety of processes can be used in treatment of industrial wastewaters. The relatively newest of which is photo catalysis with titanium dioxide which may also be used plus hydrogen peroxide to improve the treatment rate. In this study, photo catalysis/ hydrogen peroxide processes had been employed for the removal of phenol, lead and cadmium by three different pHs of 3.5, 7 and 11. The treatment tests were also accomplished without UV irradiation. In both experiments, the variables were pH and concentrations of reagent chemicals, but the detention time was kept constant (180 min). Results indicated that the optimum efficiencies of phenol and Cd removal were 76 % and 97.7 % at pH=11, respectively, and for lead, it was 98.8% in all pHs. In other words, no pH dependency was regarded for lead treatment. These results were all obtained by simultaneous use of UV irradiation with 3 mL/L H₂O₂ and 0.8 g/L TiO₂. Finally, the best pH for treatment, when all the three contaminants are presented is considered to be at 11. These results should be regarded by all industrial treatment plants which have experienced the problem of these three special contaminants in their effluents.