Mechanism and kinetic study for the degradation of lindane by photo-Fenton process

Because application of classical treatment methods cannot allow an easily Lindane (gamma 1 alpha,2 alpha,3 beta,4 alpha,5 alpha,6 beta-hexachlorocyclohexane) degradation, development of more powerful water treatment techniques, like advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), was necessary. The degradation of lindane (gamma-HCH) has been studied using the photo-Fenton reaction. The degradation kinetics under irradiation was optimized in respect to H2O2 concentration and Fe2+ concentration at a constant lindane concentration. The degradation rate follows pseudo-first order kinetics with respect to lindane and organic clorine mineralization. Application of photo-Fenton system also assures total organic carbon removal with 95% efficiency at 2 h irradiation. The possible pathways of lindane photodegradation is also proposed. (C) 2012 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.