Treatment of adhesive-laden industrial wastewater using fenton oxidation

This study reports the first application of Fenton oxidation for treating adhesive-laden wastewater generated from pre-rolled cone paper (PCP) production. As an advanced oxidation process, Fenton oxidation relies on the generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) through the reaction of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and ferrous ions (Fe 2+ ) to degrade complex organic pollutants. The treatment significantly reduced both chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), achieving removal efficiencies of 99.5% and >98%, respectively, under optimal conditions of 0.2 wt.% Fe and 5 v% H 2 O 2 . However, the process led to an increase in total suspended solids (TSS) due to sludge generation, indicating the need for subsequent post-treatment. Additionally, Fenton oxidation was less effective in removing nitrogenous compounds, with a slight increase in ammonia levels observed after treatment. Despite this limitation, the treated effluent met local discharge standards for BOD and, in most cases, for COD, demonstrating the potential of this method as a practical and efficient approach for the treatment of complex industrial effluents containing adhesive residues. This work contributes novel insights into the applicability of Fenton oxidation for a previously unaddressed wastewater stream and underscores its role as a promising core treatment within integrated wastewater management systems. • Fenton oxidation effectively treated adhesive-laden wastewater from PCP production. • Optimal COD and BOD removal was achieved at 0.2 wt.% Fe and 5 v% H 2 O 2 . • Hydrogen peroxide played a key role, while excess Fe reduced treatment efficiency. • Fenton process increased suspended solids, requiring post-treatment for TSS removal. • Nitrogen compound removal was limited, indicating need for integrated treatment steps.