The Photo-Fenton method — Degradation of nitrogen containing organic compounds

The combination of Fenton reagent with light — the Photo-Fenton method — represents an efficient method for wastewater treatment. This work is about the degradation of nitrogen containing organic compounds. Monitoring the mineralization of model substances by measuring the total organic carbon as well as detecting the release of nitrogen is described. Under specified conditions the substances could be decomposed and, as expected, aromatic compounds showed a higher degree and rate of degradation than aliphatic ones. Due to strong oxidative conditions organic nitrogen is expected to be released as nitrate, however, in most cases nitrogen was detected mainly as ammonia.