Treatment of Fracturing Flowback Fluid Using a Plasma-Fenton Coupled Process: Performance Evaluation and Parameter Optimization

Fracturing flowback fluid poses significant pollution risks and potential threats to the surrounding ecological environment, especially soil and groundwater systems. This study innovatively combined the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) low-temperature plasma technology with the Fenton oxidation process to construct a synergistic degradation system. Systematic investigation of key operational parameters, including discharge voltage, H2O2 and Fe2+ dosages, and initial pH, was conducted to evaluate their effects on process performance. Under the optimal process parameters, the system achieves over 90% in both COD removal rate and guar gum degradation efficiency, outperforming traditional treatment technologies. Mechanistic analysis suggests that the efficient degradation of HPG may result from the combined action of plasma-generated reactive species and Fenton-derived oxidizing species. However, further identification of transformation products and toxicity evaluation are still required. This research provides a green and efficient new solution for the fracturing flowback fluid treatment, which has significant engineering application value.