Oxidation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene using Fenton's reagent: reaction mechanisms and their practical applications

Nihar R. Moriarty, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Irvine W. Wei, Northeastern University

Abstract

With the strict regulations of present times, chemical oxidation holds tremendous potential for destructive treatment of hazardous wastes which are resistant to biological oxidation. Fenton's reagent has proved to be an inexpensive and powerful oxidant which has been shown to oxidize a wide variety of organics. In this paper, 2,4 dinitrotoluene (2,4 DNT) was chosen as a model compound following previous work where 2,4 DNT was subjected to oxidation by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of medium power UV source. Various factors that are important to optimize the oxidation of organics were studied. The effect of aeration, step dosing and the role played by the ferric ions on oxidation of 2,4 DNT were verified in this experimental study. The results of our work show that 2,4 DNT can be effectively oxidized in aqueous solutions with Fenton's reagent. At a H₂O₂: DNT: Fe²⁺ ratio of 20:1:2.5 (molar), 2,4 DNT was completely removed in 5 hours. Finally, the results and the reaction intermediates of the oxidation of 2,4 DNT with Fenton's reagent vis-a-vis the H₂O₂/UV system are discussed.