Degradation of Phenol Using Batch-Fluidization Process by Transition Metal Impregnated Red Mud as Modified Catalyst in Heterogeneous Fenton Process

Red mud is a solid waste from the aluminium-based industries. The amount of red mud dumped in the environment can be reduced by recycling it for a new application for economic benefits to industries. The conventional Fenton process consists of ferrous ions as a catalyst and it can be substituted with transition metals such as aluminium, cobalt, chromium, manganese and cerium. Phenols are regarded as priority organic pollutants in the wastewater, and hence, treatment of phenolic compounds before its disposal to the receiving ends is very much needed for the environmental concern. The objective of this study was to prepare modified catalysts and investigate the degradation of phenol in aqueous solution in a batch-fluidization process. The modified catalysts were characterized by SEM-EDX, XRD and FTIR. A comparative study among modified catalysts and factors affecting the performance was investigated.