Showing papers by "Salah Ammar published in 2007"

Electrochemical oxidation of 2-nitrophenol in aqueous medium by electro-fenton technology

Abstract: The oxidative degradation of aqueous 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) solutions at pH 3 has been studied in a non divided electrochemical cell by indirect electrochemical oxidation technique using electroFenton process. Hydroxyl radical, a very powerful oxidizing agent, was produced from Fenton's reagent (Fe 2+ + H2O2) in a catalytic way under current controlled electrolyses conditions on a carbon felt electrode as cathode. This environmentally friendly treatment technique allows to efficiently decontaminate aqueous solutions polluted by 2-NP. In situ generated hydroxyl radicals lead to the degradation of 2-NP until its total mineralization. The degradation rate and mineralization efficiency increase with applied current. The reaction kinetics follow a pseudo-first order reaction. Catechol, resorcinol, 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene, hydroquinone and benzoquinone were detected as aromatic reaction intermediates. Malonic, glyoxilic and oxalic acids were identified as ultimate end-products before complete mineralization. The initial organic nitrogen was converted into NO3 - and NH4 + ions.