TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER FROM CAR WASH BY FENTON AND PHOTO-FENTON OXIDATIVE PROCESSES

Car wash generates wastewater that contains several residues, such as gasoline, lubricating oil and grease, as well as chemicals used for vehicle hygiene. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of advanced Fenton and photo-Fenton oxidative processes to treat contaminated car wash wastewater. The samples were collected from a car wash facility located in the city of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Continuous flow experiments were performed, and comparisons were made between the Fenton and photo-Fenton methods. Treatment efficiency was examined through physical analysis (color and turbidity) and chemical analysis (chemical oxygen demand, surfactant, oils, and grease). Photo-Fenton treatment achieved approximately 93% of chemical oxygen demand removal, whereas Fenton treatment reached 83%. Other parameters examined showed a reduction between 75.0% and 99.6%, which means that they can be used either as an alternative method or in association with the conventional techniques for the treatment of car wash wastewater effluents.