Transformation of 2,4-dichlorophenol by H2O2/UV-C, Fenton and photo-Fenton processes: Oxidation products and toxicity evolution

In the present study, H2O2/UV-C, Fenton and photo-Fenton treatment of 2,4-dichlorophenol was compared in terms of oxidation products and acute toxicity. The oxidation products were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography and ion chromatography, whereas changes in acute toxicity were evaluated by the Vibrio fischeri luminescence inhibition assay. H2O2/UV-C and photo-Fenton processes ensured complete 2,4-dichlorophenolremoval, detoxification and significant mineralization. Hydroquinone and formic acid were identified as the common oxidation products of the studied advanced oxidation processes investigated. 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, phenol, 4-chlorophenol and 2,5-dichlorohydroquinone were identified as the additional H2O2/UV-C oxidation products of 2,4-dichlorophenol. Acute toxicity decreased with decreasing 2,4-dichlorophenol and increasing chloride release. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.