Application of advanced oxidizing electrochemical processes for oxidizing a commercial herbicide containing 2,4-D in its composition

Abstract

Concern about the quality of the environment has intensified in recent decades due to increased awareness of the risks to human health and water deterioration. Among the contamination of wastewater by agroindustrial activities, the presence of herbicides, which are toxic substances and difficult to degradation, are harmful to the environment and human health. One of the most commonly used herbicides today is the so-called 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a highly stable organic compound, making it difficult to break down by conventional treatments. Given this scenario, some studies have been developed with the purpose of determining the best oxidative methods in order to make the residue suitable for disposal in the environment. In this context, the present work aims at the implementation of the Advanced Oxidative Electrochemical Processes (AOEPs) with the purpose of oxidizing the commercial herbicide Tordon® that contains 2,4-D in its composition. Different processes will be applied and compared, such as: Photochemical Oxidation, Electro-Fenton and Photoelectro-Fenton using different compositions of oxides electrodes. (AU)