Oxone-Promoted Wet Air Oxidation of Landfill Leachates

Landfill leachates of the city of Badajoz (in the southwest of Spain) have been treated by wet air oxidation at high temperature (180-270 (degree) C) and pressure (40-70 atm). Typical operating variables such as temperature and oxygen partial pressure have been investigated with no effect of any being found and moderate to low chemical oxygen demand conversions (20-30% depending on initial COD concentration). Initial pH shows a positive influence when acidic conditions are used. Addition of hydrogen peroxide (0.01 M) as a hydroxyl radical promoter is able to provide an additional 15% increase in the final COD removal achieved. If a sulfate radical promoter is used (i.e., Oxone) the process is significantly improved, with COD conversions in the range 60-80%, also depending on the initial COD of the leachates. A first attempt to comprehend the chemistry of this oxidizing system suggests an instantaneous decomposition of Oxone that initiates the radical chain also involving hydroxyl and organic radicals.