Combined Ozonation Using Alumino-Silica Materials for the Removal of 2,4-Dimethylphenol from Water

Abstract

This study deals with an advanced oxidation process combining adsorption and ozonation for treating petrochemical effluents. The compound 2,4-dimethylphenol (DMP) was the paradigm molecule and faujasite-Y, mordenite, ZSM-5 and γ-alumina were tested. Single ozonation showed rapid DMP degradation but limited by gas to liquid ozone transfer. No catalytic effect occurred during ozonation combined with any of the adsorbents: DMP removal was not accelerated. However, a good synergistic effect was observed for TOC removal with γ-alumina, yet the various zeolites are less efficient. Some specific oxidation by-products produced during ozonation are eliminated by adsorption in the presence of γ-alumina, although they persist in the other cases.