Optimization of acetaminophen degradation by fluidized-bed Fenton process

Recalcitrant compounds in pharmaceutical wastewaters render biological treatment inadequate. Conventional Fenton technology, though a promising alternative, suffers from high sludge generation. In this study, fluidized-bed (FB) Fenton process, an improvement of traditional Fenton method, was used to decompose acetaminophen (ACT) from aqueous solutions. Optimization of important parameters: initial pH, ferrous ion and hydrogen peroxide dosages, was carried out using Box-Behnken Design (BBD). Effects of all factors and their interactions on ACT decomposition were significant. At optimum operating conditions, ACT degradation reached 97.8% while iron removal of 62.92% was achieved. In addition, the high hydrogen peroxide efficiencies of FB-Fenton process with respect to ACT degradation and COD removal make this technology a cost-effective option in treating acetaminophen-contaminated wastewaters.