Evaluation of the H2O2/UV system in the vinasse treatment

Abstract

The alcohol sector has grown significantly in Brazil, raising the environmental concerns, especially by the waste generation, mainly the vinasse - effluent from the production of ethanol. They are usually produced about 13 liters of vinasse per liter of distilled alcohol. The vinasse can change the physical and chemical properties of soil and contaminate the surface and ground water if improperly disposed. There is a variety of treatment methods and strategies for using the vinasse, such as its reuse as animal feed, its concentration, anaerobic digestion treatment or composting, and its use in fertigation. However, these processes are partial in the vinasse degradation, being necessary to study advanced techniques for the vinasse treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the treatment by advanced oxidation processes (AOP) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) associated to ultraviolet (UV) from natural and artificial sources, since the advanced oxidation processes currently are considered an alternative solution for the destruction of hazardous organic compounds. The expected result is the possibility of vinasse treatment by a relatively simple and quick process, promoting improvements in aspects related to environment and public health. (AU)