Application of the Fenton process in the elimination of helminth eggs

J Water Health. 2014 Dec;12(4):722-6. doi: 10.2166/wh.2014.092.

Abstract

This study relates to a method for evaluating the degradation efficiency of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs through a Fenton reaction, using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 100, 250, and 500 mg/L, ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) at 458 mg/L Fe(2+) and pH values of 3, 4.5, and 6. The experiments were conducted according to a 3(2) experimental design, with 1:1, 3:1, and 5:1 (H2O2/Fe(2+)) molar ratios. The oxidation and flocculation stages were performed at 130 rpm during 2 hours and at 25-30 rpm during 20 min, respectively. As a result of the Fenton reaction, an average of 91.2% Ascaris lumbricoides egg degradation was achieved at pH 6 using a 500 mg/L dose of H2O2 and a 3:1 (H2O2/Fe(2+)) molar ratio. Thus, this process is an alternative for eliminating parasites that are resistant to conventional disinfection processes and significantly reduces the human health hazard they represent.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascariasis / parasitology
  • Ascariasis / prevention & control*
  • Ascaris lumbricoides / drug effects*
  • Ascaris lumbricoides / growth & development
  • Disinfection / methods*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ferrous Compounds / chemistry
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Iron / pharmacology*
  • Ovum / drug effects
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Water Purification / methods*

Substances

  • Fenton's reagent
  • Ferrous Compounds
  • ferrous sulfate
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Iron