Reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand of Effluents from the Confectionery Sector of Agroindustry Using the Fenton Process

The confectionery industry produces effluents with diverse and complex compositions and high organic loads, which are typically not treated by conventional treatment plants. In this context, the Fenton process presents itself as an advanced chemical treatment alternative due to its ease of application, cost-effectiveness, and ability to improve the degradability of challenging effluents. This study addressed the question: How can Fenton’s reagent be applied as a pretreatment to reduce the organic load in real effluents from the food industry? The research evaluated this chemical pretreatment for effluents from a starch-based gummy candy production process, aiming to reduce the organic load and aid subsequent conventional treatments. Parameters such as COD, total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and degrees Brix (°Bx) were monitored before and after 2 and 4 h of pretreatment. The results showed that Fenton pretreatment reduced COD by more than 31%, with efficiency influenced by effluent composition and concentration. This removal can reduce discharge rates and operating costs, providing an economic advantage. The process proved to be a promising pretreatment option, contributing to the initial removal of pollutants and improving the performance of wastewater treatment systems, thus supporting sustainable industrial practices.