Degradation of 2,4,6-Trinitroresorcinol by Persulfate Oxidation

Abstract

2,4,6-Trinitroresorcinol with molecular formula C₆H₃N₃O₈ is one of the aromatic nitro compounds ranging slight to strong oxidizing agents causing environmental contamination. The persulfate anions activated by zero valent iron were used to oxidize organic compounds like trichloroethylene, methyl tertiary butyl ether. This work demonstrates if the zero valent iron activated persulfate oxidation of 2,4,6-trinitroresorcinol was a viable method. The experimental data have shown that the 2,4,6-trinitroresorcinol in aqueous media were oxidized by the persulfate anions activated by zero valent iron. The reaction participated in components such as 2,4,6-trinitroresorcine; its oxidized products were measured by voltammetry square wave and total organic carbon analysis. The reduced total organic carbon values in the reduced samples have demonstrated that the final oxidized products were CO₂ + H₂O + other mineral compounds. The activation of the persulfate anions by zero valent iron may be implemented through the reactions between S₂O₈ ^2- and zero valent iron to form sulfate free radicals (SO₄ ^−•). The mineralization of 2,4,6-trinitroresorcinol by the persulfate anions activated by zero valent iron is favour in the pH ranged from 3 to 5.