EFFECTS OF REACTION TIME AND pH ON FENTON'S BATCH PROCESS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LEACHATE

The effects of important parameters such as reaction time and pH on the Fenton's process were evaluated using a batch reactor. It was proven that organic materials and heavy metals in leachate could be successfully removed by Fenton's reagent. Favorable operation conditions were investigated. It was observed that the reaction between ferrous iron and hydrogen peroxide with the production of hydroxyl radical was almost complete in 10 minutes. That is, the oxidation of organic materials by Fenton's reagent was so fast that it was complete in 30 minutes with batch experiments. With the formation of carbonic acid, pH of the batch reactor decreased to favorable acidic conditions without acid addition. The oxidation of organic materials in the leachate showed a pH dependence and was most efficient in the pH range of 2-3.