Toxicity of industrial wastewater treated by Fenton's Reagent

Toxicity of four types of industrial wastewater, treated by Fenton's reagent, was analyzed. Toxicity was measured using bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri NRRL B-11177. Application of Fenton's reagent was a efficient method for treatment of this wastewater. Nevertheless, high efficiency of organic components degradation was not always followed by reduction of toxicity to a very low level. In all cases, in order to achieve total reduction of toxicity, it was necessary to increase both the H₂O₂ dose and reaction time. It was concluded that optimization of Fenton's reaction should be performed assuming toxicity changes in the examined wastewater. Reduction in toxicity should be a critical measure of the success of this method. Such an approach should be general practice in relation to all hazardous industrial wastewater.