The use of hydroxyl-radical-generating systems for the treatment of olive mill wastewaters

Three hydroxyl-radical producing biomimetic systems, composed of Cull, hydrogen peroxide and pyridine, glucaric or succinic acid, were able to perform decolorization of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) > 85% within 3 d combined with a significant removal of total phenols (> 75%). The systems consisting of 50 mmol/L succinic acid, 5-10 mmol/L CUSO4 and 100 mmol/L H2O2 were the most effective at OMW treatment, and led to the reduction of phenol contents to < 1% along with high decolorization (> 88%) and acceptable values of chemical oxygen demand.