Abstract
We show that the degradation of phenol by Fe(III) and hydrogen peroxide is faster in the presence of humic acids. This is most likely due to faster reduction of Fe(III)-humate complexes by H2O2/HO2·/O2−· when compared with Fe(III)-H2O complexes. The fact that humic acids, a major class of naturally occurring compounds, favour the Fenton reaction has great relevance in the field of water and soil decontamination, where organic compounds usually have a negative effect. Furthermore, it adds insight into the self-depuration processes of natural aquifers.
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Financial support by Università di Torino-Ricerca Locale, INCA-Progetto Sisifo and PNRA-Progetto Antartide is kindly appreciated.
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Vione, D., Merlo, F., Maurino, V. et al. Effect of humic acids on the Fenton degradation of phenol. Environ Chem Lett 2, 129–133 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-004-0086-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-004-0086-3