Homogeneous degradation of the Remazol Black B dye by Fenton and photo-Fenton processes in aqueous medium

Abstract

In this research, factorial designs have been employed to study the influence of three important factors ([H2O2], [Fe2+] and the reaction time) on the discoloration and the degradation of Remazol Black B dye by Fenton and photo-Fenton processes. For the photo-Fenton experiments, two different sources of radiation were used: UVA and visible light. This investigation reveals the importance of irradiation on the discoloration reaction and the degradation of the Remazol Black B. Based on the optimum experimental conditions the more efficient dye removal followed the sequence: UVA light photo-Fenton > Visible light photo-Fenton > Fenton. Total organic carbon (TOC) values of 36%, 27% and 16%, for the UVA light photo-Fenton, visible light photo-Fenton and Fenton processes, respectively,
were obtained for the dye degradation also at the optimum
experimental conditions. Based on the observed data it was found that the visible light can be employed as an economically viable source of irradiation in comparison to the UVA light.