Mejoras en el tratamiento de lixiviados de vertedero de RSU mediante procesos de oxidación avanzada

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is the research and development of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). AOPs are based on the in-situ generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH�). These radicals are able to oxidize many organic compounds with high oxidation rates but in a non-selective way. This is useful to achieve the complete mineralization of the pollutants or its degradation into more easily biodegradable compounds. Two main objectives have been pursued in this thesis: 1) To contribute to the scientific knowledge of the UV/H2O2 process through its analysis and modelling. Phenol degradation has been selected as a case of study. An experimental planning was established to study the influence of process variables on parameters such as total organic matter concentration and ecotoxicity. 2) Research on new alternative treatments for suitable organic matter removal from recalcitrant waste effluents by AOPs. As study case, the leachate remediation from a municipal solid wastes landfill was selected. Fenton and photo-Fenton processes were compared and the operational conditions to achieve the maximum organic matter reduction and colour removal have been determined. Both laboratory scale and pilot plant experiments were carried out.