Degradation of 1,4-dioxane using advanced oxidation processes

Introduction In the nuclear industry 1,4-dioxane is used as a solvent in liquid scintillation technique for measuring low-energy beta-emitters such as H-3 or C-14 in aqueous media. Improper disposal of 1,4-dioxane can contaminate the ground and surface waters. Conventional wastewater treatment processes like chemical treatment, air stripping, carbon adsorption, and biological treatment are ineffective for the degradation of 1,4-dioxane. Methods In the present study, the kinetics of degradation of 1,4-dioxane using advanced oxidation processes viz., H2O2 alone, Fe(II)+H2O2, UV (15 W)+H2O2, UV (15 W)+Fe (II)+H2O2, US (130 KHz)+Fe(II)+H2O2, and sunlight+Fe (II)+H2O2 at pH 3.0 was investigated. The optimization of Fe (II) for the processes using Fe (II)+H2O2 was carried out. Conclusions The kinetics of degradation using sunlight+Fe (II)+H2O2 was found to be fastest when compared to the other processes. The degradation was found to follow first-order kinetics. Formation of acidic intermediates was suspected from the observed pH changes during the degradation processes.