EFFECT OF A MODIFIED PHOTO-FENTON PROCEDURE ON THE OXIDATIVE DEGRADATION OF 1-NAPHTHOL IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Abstract

A heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like degradation process of 1-naphthol (1-NP) promoted by natural iron oxide (NIO) in the presence of oxalic acid was studied under artificial irradiation (365 nm). This is an important reaction for the environment since both oxalic acid and iron oxides are common constituents of natural waters. 1-NP was selected as a model pollutant, while the NIO used in this work comes from a mineral in Algeria. The NIO was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) methods to disclose the crystal composition and surface area. The analysis revealed that the NIO has a mixed elemental composition that consists mainly of iron oxide. The effect of the dosage of NIO and initial concentration of oxalic acid on 1-NP degradation was investigated in the NIO/oxalate suspension under UVA light irradiation. The phototransformation experiment of 1-NP shows that the NIO alone could play an important role in its degradation at 365 nm. The additional oxalic acid could significantly accelerate 1-NP degradation. The optimal initial concentration of oxalic acid was found to be 1 mM. This investigation will give a new insight to understanding the 1-NP photodegradation in natural environment.