Treatment of Industrial Wastewater by Homogeneous Fenton Oxidation: Application to Textile Effluents

Abstract

This study focuses on the treatment of real textile effluents from Côte d’Ivoire. These effluents, heavily loaded with dyes and refractory organic compounds, pose major risks to human health, biodiversity, and soil quality when discharged untreated. The objective is to assess the efficiency of the homogeneous Fenton advanced oxidation process in improving water quality prior to discharge. This process relies on the generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) through the reaction between hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) in an acidic medium, enabling the degradation of complex organic pollutants. Laboratory tests were conducted on raw effluent samples, with pH adjusted to 3–4 and varying reagent concentrations to optimize performance. Results show a significant reduction in physicochemical parameters: BOD₅ (−83%), COD (−53%), and turbidity (−96.7%), along with complete decolorization of the effluents. After treatment, the obtained values comply with Ivorian discharge standards, confirming the effectiveness of the process for depolluting textile wastewater. However, pH adjustment is required before discharge. This study demonstrates that the homogeneous Fenton method is a high-performance and adaptable solution for treating industrial effluents that are difficult to biodegrade, thereby contributing to the protection of water resources and reducing environmental impacts.