Xylene and Toluene Removal from Wastewater in Petrochemical Storage Terminals: Application of the Fenton Process

Abstract

The Fenton process was applied to treat wastewater from storage terminals of petrochemical products contaminated with xylene and toluene. The Fenton process is an advanced oxidation technology that involves the addition of H₂O₂ and Fe(II) to generate hydroxyl radicals, which degrade the contaminants. The wastewater was characterized, and tests were conducted by varying the molar ratio of the Fenton reagents (H₂O₂/Fe²⁺) in an acidic medium (pH 3.5), with a contact time of 45 minutes, to determine the optimal dosage. The efficiency of organic matter removal was evaluated by measuring the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD₅). High removal efficiencies for COD and BOD₅ were achieved, reaching 92.44% and 93.15%, respectively, at the experimental scale, and 89.49% and 88.52% at the industrial scale. It was determined that a molar ratio of H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ of 31.3 was optimal at the experimental scale. It can be concluded that the Fenton process is effective for treating this type of wastewater, achieving compliance with the maximum permissible limits (MPL) established by Peruvian legislation.