[Application of advanced oxidant systems in the treatment of residual waters in the petroleum industry (Fenton system)].

Abstract

Typical contaminants from the oil industry were treated with the Fenton system (H2O2/Fe2+) under normal conditions of pressure and temperature. The treated contaminants, in harzadous concentrations, were the following: m-cresol, 2-chlorophenol, and methyl-tertbutyl -ether (MTBE). Additionally, waters contaminated with reformulated gasoline were also treated and the degradation of MTBE and volatile aromatics (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) was followed. The system efficiency, in the contaminated water treatment of two different samples were also tested. One of the samples came from oil production operations and the other from a petrochemical plants complex. In all cases an advanced mineralization of the contaminants was observed in relatively short periods of time. The rate constants, at room temperature, for degradation of m-cresol, 2-chlorophenol and MTBE were measured.