Xylene and Toluene Removal from Wastewater in Petrochemical Storage Terminals: Application of the Fenton Process

Pretell V.; Livia D.; Viera-Palacios M. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.895

Resumen

The Fenton process was applied to treat wastewater from storage terminals of petrochemical products contaminated with xylene and toluene. The Fenton process is an advanced oxidation technology that involves the addition of H2O2 and Fe(II) to generate hydroxyl radicals, which degrade the contaminants. The wastewater was characterized, and tests were conducted by varying the molar ratio of the Fenton reagents (H2O2/Fe2+) in an acidic medium (pH 3.5), with a contact time of 45 minutes, to determine the optimal dosage. The efficiency of organic matter removal was evaluated by measuring the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5). High removal efficiencies for COD and BOD5 were achieved, reaching 92.44% and 93.15%, respectively, at the experimental scale, and 89.49% and 88.52% at the industrial scale. It was determined that a molar ratio of H2O2/Fe2+ of 31.3 was optimal at the experimental scale. It can be concluded that the Fenton process is effective for treating this type of wastewater, achieving compliance with the maximum permissible limits (MPL) established by Peruvian legislation.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería