Photodegradation of Congo red and real textile industries effluent using natural Tunisian iron oxide

Natural iron oxide as a low-cost, abundant and eco-friendly material has investigated in photo-Fenton process. In this study, two locally iron oxides were collected, prepared and characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), N-2 adsorption-desorption and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to investigate structural and optical properties of catalysts. Natural catalysts were used as photo-Fenton catalyst to investigate degradation rate of Congo red (CR) diazo dye under UV light irradiations and real textile industries effluent. Results show a total discoloration of CR within 45 min and a total mineralization within 60 min. Also, the treatment of real effluent is efficient by photo-Fenton process. Furthermore, stability of catalyst was evaluated and results show a good structural and chemical stability after several use of catalyst.