Degradation of trace nitrobenzene in water by microwave-enhanced H₂O₂-based process

Abstract

To evaluate possible use of microwave-enhanced H₂O₂-based (MW/H₂O₂) process to degrade trace nitrobenzene (NB) in water, a series of batch experiments were conducted. The results showed that 2450MHz microwave irradiation significantly enhanced oxidative decomposition of nitrobenzene (NB) in a H₂O₂ system. About 90% NB was degraded by the MW/ H₂O₂ process in 30 min. Moreover, the MW/ H₂O₂ process could enhanced the oxidative degradation of NB even at relatively low temperature (50°C). When the initial concentration of NB was 300μg/L, the optimum ratio of H₂O₂ to NB and MW power were 70 and 300 W respectively. The presence of humic acid significantly increased H₂O₂ dosage. The ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (UV₂₅₄) indicated degradation of NB was stepwise and some intermediates were produced. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis showed that main intermediates were nitrophenolic and carbonyl compounds.

Keywords

microwave / hydrogen peroxide / nitrobenzene / humic acid

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