Electrochemical generation of the Fenton's reagent: application to atrazine degradation.

The degradation of refractory chemicals in water requires chemical oxidation by hydroxyl radicals. Among the systems that may be used to generate OH(o), the Fenton's reagent consists of the mixing of ferrous iron and hydrogen peroxide. Even though this system is very simple, the oxidation of an organic compound is difficult to control and the ferrous iron regeneration is limited. Very recently, electrochemical systems have merged that allow the electrochemical production of ferrous iron and/or hydrogen peroxide, thereby allowing the generation of OH(o). So a simple electro-Fenton system has been used and tested for its efficiency in producing hydroxyl radicals. Atrazine was chosen as a model organic compound as its reaction with OH(o) has been extensively studied. Comparison with the classical Fenton system gives advantage to the electrochemical system, due to a more thorough oxidation of atrazine.