Degradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene by persulfate activated with zero-valent iron.

The oxidation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) by persulfate (S(2)O(8)(2-)) activated with zero-valent iron (Fe(o)) was studied through a series of batch experiments. The mechanism for Fe(o) activation was investigated by comparing with Fe(2+), and the effects of persulfate-to-iron ratio and pre-reduction on DNT oxidation were examined. DNT was stable in the presence of persulfate and transformed only when Fe(o) was added. Most DNT was degraded oxidatively by Fe(o)-activated persulfate, whereas direct reduction of DNT by Fe(o) was unimportant. The rate of DNT degradation increased with higher Fe(o) dose, presumably due to increasing activation of persulfate by Fe(o) and Fe(2+). In contrast to the Fe(o)-persulfate system, where complete oxidation DNT was achieved, only </=20% of DNT was degraded and the reaction was terminated rapidly when Fe(o) was replaced with equimolar Fe(2+). This indicates that Fe(o) is more effective than Fe(2+) as activating agent and potentially more suitable for environmental applications. The reduction products of DNT were more rapidly oxidized by persulfate than DNT, suggesting that converting the nitro groups of NACs to amino groups prior to oxidation can greatly enhance their oxidation. This suggests that a sequential Fe(o) reduction-persulfate oxidation process may be an effective strategy to promote NAC degradation. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.