Catalytic wet air oxidation of dyeing and printing wastewater

The treatment of dyeing and printing wastewater from the textile industry by oxidation was studied. The reaction was carried out in a two-litre high pressure reactor. In order to promote the oxidation of organic pollutants present in the wastewater, experiments were conducted using various catalysts including metal salts, metal oxides, and porous alumina supported metals. All catalysts tested were able to enhance the conversion of organic compounds in wastewater, shorten the reaction time, and lower the reaction temperature. The alumina supported catalyst has an advantage over other catalysts in that it can be easily separated from the treated wastewater by filtration and recycled. The conditions in preparing the catalyst supported by porous alumina were experimentally optimised. (C) 1997 IAWQ. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.