Decontamination of Effluents with Emerging Contaminants Ibuprofen and Paracetamol Using Advanced Oxidation (Phase 2)

This project addresses the issue of wastewater contamination by recalcitrant emerging compounds, specifically Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, which are not effectively removed by conventional treatment systems. The main goal is to enhance the treatability of these effluents through Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) to increase the BOD5/COD ratio and reduce the Total Organic Carbon (TOC). The initial methodology involves physicochemical characterization of the wastewater (BOD5, COD, TOC, pH, turbidity). The proposed treatment begins by adjusting the pH to acidic values (2, 3, or 4) using 97% sulfuric acid. Subsequently, a modified Fenton oxidation process is applied, involving the controlled mixing of ferrous sulfate and hydrogen peroxide under agitation, monitoring the degradation of soluble COD and TOC to determine the optimal reaction time. Finally, an optimized coagulation process using ferric chloride jar tests is included to evaluate contaminant removal.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To improve the biodegradability conditions of wastewater contaminated with Ibuprofen and Paracetamol by increasing the BOD5/COD ratio and decreasing the TOC, enabling its subsequent treatment in conventional systems.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Solid waste and optimization of renewable energies