Application of the Fenton process in the elimination of helminth eggs

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 Fe²⁺ and pH values of 3, 4.5, and 6. The experiments were conducted according to a 3² experimental design, with 1:1, 3:1, and 5:1 (H₂O₂/Fe²⁺) 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/Fe²⁺) 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.