We show that the degradation of phenol by Fe(III) and hydrogen peroxide is faster in the presence of humic acids. This is most likely due to faster reduction of Fe(III)-humate complexes by H 2 O 2 /HO 2 · /O 2 · when compared with Fe(III)-H 2 O complexes. The fact that humic acids, a major class of naturally occurring compounds, favour the Fenton reaction has great relevance in the field of water and soil decontamination, where organic compounds usually have a negative effect. Furthermore, it adds insight into the self-depuration processes of natural aquifers.

No abstract