Decolourisation of aqueous dyes by sequential oxidation treatment with ozone and Fenton's reagent

Combined oxidation with ozone and Fenton's reagent (‘Fentozone’ process) for decolourisation of aqueous dyes was studied and compared with traditional Fenton's reagent. Although the ‘Fentozone’ process was found to be effective at a wide range of pH values, the maximum colour removal was achieved at pH 4. The effect of pre‐ozonation on colour removal efficiency of aqueous dyestuffs in the subsequent treatment with Fenton's reagent was investigated. The reaction kinetics using water‐soluble acid and reactive dyes were also studied. Our experimental results show that pre‐ozonation can considerably accelerate decomposition of dyestuffs in the subsequent treatment with Fenton's reagent. Different concentrations of ferrous sulfate were used to investigate their influences on the removal of colour. The rate of reaction increased with increasing doses of ferrous sulfate. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry