Investigation of H2O2/UV advanced oxidation process on the removal rate of coliforms from the industrial effluent: A pilot-scale study

Abstract

Wastewater recycling and reuse is very important, specially in countries with water shortage problem. Disinfection is very crucial step of wastewater treatment, particulary from the reuse and environmental protection point of view. In this research, the efficiency of the advanced oxidation process using UV and H2O2 combination was investigated on fecal coliform (FC) inactivation from a real industrial effluent; furthermore, the optimal condition for disinfection of the effluent using various parameters such as pH, H2O2 concentration, and contact time was determined. Based on the acquired outcomes, by pH decline from 11 to 7 and 3 inactivation rate increased (6.7% and 20.9%, sequentially), indicating the efficacy of acidic condition on the process. Increasing H2O2 concentration from 5 mg/L to 15 mg/L, 25 mg/L, and 35 mg/L, was led to increase FC inactivation by 16.6%, 29.75%, and 36.33%, respectively. Considering contcat time impact on the process performance, our findings revealed that the best efficiency obtained after 40 (s) contact time. It can be concluded that the combined UV/H2O2 is more potent than single UV and H2O2 process, making it possible to reach irrigation standards.