Removal of Acetamiprid from Wastewater by Fenton and Photo-Fenton Processes - Optimization by Response Surface Methodology and Kinetics

Advanced oxidation processes are widely used for the removal of organics which are difficult to remove by biological treatment processes. Advanced oxidation processes use the oxidizing power of hydroxyl radicals for the removal of pollutants. In the present study, the ability of Fenton and photo-Fenton processes in removing acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, from wastewater has been investigated. The effect of operating parameters such as initial H2O2 and Fe2+ concentrations on the removal of acetamiprid and total organic carbon (TOC) has also been investigated. The processes are optimized using central composite design of the response surface methodology (RSM). A drastic reduction of time and amount of initial H2O2 and Fe2+ needed for the process were observed when UV is used along with Fenton process (photo-Fenton). A second order model has been suggested by RSM for predicting acetamiprid and TOC removal. The kinetic study shows that the reactions follow pseudo-first order kinetics. A comparison of the above processes on the basis of the rate constant is also presented.