The effect of UV/Fenton process on the removal of gaseous ethylbenzene in a bubble column reactor.

As volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gaseous ethylbenzene has adverse effects on human health and ecology. Therefore, an effective degradation process is highly desirable. The Fenton process under UV 365 nm was selected as the first option to remove gaseous ethylbenzene in a bubble column reactor. The main parameters for the batch experiments were systematically studied, including HO concentration, [HO]/[Fe], pH, UV wavelength, UV intensity, gaseous ethylbenzene concentration, gas flow rate, and process stability towards removal efficiency. The optimum conditions were found to be HO concentration of 100 mmol·L, [HO]/[Fe] of 4, pH of 3.0, UV wavelength of 365 nm, UV power of 5 W, gas flow rate of 900 mL·min, and gaseous ethylbenzene concentration of 30 ppm, resulting in a removal efficiency of 76.3%. The study found that the Fenton process, when coupled with UV 365 nm, was highly effective in removing gaseous ethylbenzene. The degradation mechanism of gaseous ethylbenzene was proposed in the UV/Fenton process based on EPR, radical quenching experiments, iron analysis, carbon balance, and GC-MS analysis. The results indicated that •OH played a crucial role in the process.