Ozonation study of trace aqueous 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol occurring in agriculture wastewater

Degradation of 4-chloro-2-nitro phenol (4C2NP) by ozonation in aqueous solution was studied in a semi batch reactor under constant ozone dosage and variable pH conditions. The effectiveness of the process was estimated based on the degree of conversion of 4C2NP. It was observed that ozonation is more effective at alkaline reaction of medium than other conditions. The degree of conversion achieved (at the first 5 min of the process) at pH=9 was 99.64% compared to 99.03% and 77.35% at pH=7 and 3, respectively. A considerable improvement in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was observed at pH above 7. At pH=9, the reduction in COD at the end of the process reached 56.9 %. The total organic carbon reduction, 15.89 % was observed at pH=9. The 4C2NP degradation intermediate products were analyzed by mass- spectrometry. The main intermediate product was chlorophenol.