Application of advanced oxidation technologies and sand filter for the detoxification of effluents from small textile industries in Ecuador

Fenton and photo-Fenton processes were tested for the treatment of wastewater from a local textile industry in Ecuador. The goal of this research was to obtain an efficient, easy-to- apply method for the removal of colour, organic compounds, biodegradability, resistant pollutants, and toxicity according to the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence test. The best results for Fenton were obtained with 100 mM H2O2 and 0.36 mM Fe2+. Toxicity was reduced by 84%, biodegradability was increased from 0.21 to 0.6, and the resulting COD and BOD5 concentrations met the Ecuadorian legislation. Both temperature and UV radiation improved Fenton degradation. Detoxification was accomplished with a combination of sand filter with Fenton.