Catalytic oxidation of pentachlorophenol in contaminated soil suspensions by Fe+3-resin/H2O2

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a wood preserving agent that is commonly found in contaminated soils at wood treatment sites. The catalytic properties of Fe+3-resin for the oxidation of PCP in aqueous solution and soil suspension with H2O2 were tested. Batch tests in aqueous solution were performed at various dosages of catalyst and H2O2, and reaction temperatures. The results showed that the oxidation of PCP in aqueous solution depends on the dose of H2O2 and the temperature. Essentially complete oxidation of 100 mg l−1 PCP was obtained with 0.5% Fe+3-resin catalyst, 0.1 M H2O2 and at a reaction temperature of 80 °C. The oxidation of PCP achieved in three different soil suspensions was more than 94% within 30–50 min. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the same Fe+3-resin could be reused for at least six cycles of PCP oxidation in soil solutions without loss in efficiency unless the pH of the reaction falls below 5. It was proposed that the loss in used Fe+3-resin catalyst activity could be related to the leaching of Fe+3 at low pH.