Application of advanced oxidation process for the removal of synthetic water-based printing dye and microplastics from aqueous solution

Abstract

Starting from the assumption that wastewater treatments can have a significant impact on the interactions between microplastics (MPs) and various pollutants in different matrices, a focus must be directed on examination of classic and redesigned treatments to remove synthetic dyes in the presence of MPs from wastewater. This paper investigates the potential application of Fenton-like process for the removal of water-based printing dye (Cyan) from aqueous solution containing MPs in a form of granulated polyethylene (PEg). The influence of five quantitative parameters on decolorization efficiency was investigated: initial dye concentration (20-180 mgL-1), nano zero valent iron (nZVI) dosage (0.75-60 mgL-1), PEg concentration (1-10 gL-1), hydrogen-peroxide concentration (1-11 mM) and pH value (2-10). A novel statistical approach, definitive screening design, resulted with the optimization process which yielded highest removal efficiency of 92% under following conditions: initial dye concentration of 155 mgL-1, nZVI dosage of 55 mgL-1, PEg concentration of 2.35 gL-1, H2O2 concentration of 2 mM and pH value 2.5. Available data indicate that in the future, wastewater containing MPs will dictate ways to reuse this water in terms of closing the water material cycle and reducing environmental pollution. Therefore, the industrial wastewater reuse is an important component of sustainable wastewater management practices, namely, water resource augmentation and pollutant reduction.

Advanced oxidation processes for the degradation of microplastics from the environment: A review

“…In comparison to polymers made by alkane chains (PE, PP and PVC); those with aromatic rings in their structure (EPS and PET) are more likely to be oxidized (Ortiz et al, 2022). The modified Fenton process for removing the plasticizer di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) from the bottom sediments of reservoir obtained maximum efficiency not exceeding 30% (Kida, Ziembowicz, & Koszelnik, 2019), while the modified Fenton‐like treatment of the water‐based printing dye Cyan in the presence of PE MP granules had a good degradation efficiency of 92%, achieved via precise optimization procedures (Prica et al, 2020). The partial dye adsorption on the MPs surface is likely the cause of the greater efficacy.…”