FENTONS REAGENT

What is Fentons reagent

Fentons reagent mixture was discovered by H.J.H. Fenton in 1894.
Fenton's reagent is a solution of hydrogen peroxide and an iron catalyst; ferrous
sulfate and an optimum pH (3-5) adjuster, using sulfuric acid.
If the pH is too high, the iron precipitates as Fe(OH)3 and catalytically decomposes
the H2O2 to oxygen -- potentially creating a hazardous situation.

Application in water treatment sector

Fentons Reagent is useful in removing various constituents from wastewater from
various industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, textile etc which include the
following

Chemical oxygen demand

Pesticides
Natural organic matter (NOM)
Disinfectant
Aromatic amines
Surfactants

Application details in selected industrial sectors

Textile industry
Textile wastewater is difficult to treat with the use of classical physicochemical and
biological methods, which is mainly due to their intensive colour, high content of
surfactants and other organic and inorganic compounds, a significant toxicity and
poor biological recovery. Fentons reagent is effective in decomposing the pollutants
present in textile waste water

Process waste water

Fentons reagent was found to be most effective product in removing the pollutants
from industrial waste water

MAA- Waste water from maleic acid anhydride

2-EHA Waste water from 2-Ethyl hexyl alcohol
UFRA Waste water from urea formaldehyde resin adhesive
PCW Pesticide containing waste water

Superiority of Fentons reagent compared to H2O2 and chlorinebearing compounds

Fentons Reagent does not react with dimethylamine (DMA), which is often found in
source water and is a precursor of N-Nitrosodimethyl amine (NDMA), a known
carcinogen.
Other common oxidizing agents, including H2O2 and chlorine-bearing compounds,
will react with DMA and produce NDMA. Thus, from a health perspective, Fentons
Reagent would be a superior choice.
In Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) treatment, Fentons reagent is used to disinfect
water and to remove organic contaminants.