Effect of pH on Fenton process using estimation of hydroxyl radical with salicylic acid as trapping reagent

This study estimates the yield of hydroxyl radical using salicylic acid as the trapping reagent and investigates the relationship between hydroxyl radical and pH value. The formation and variation of hydroxyl radical under different pH values were evaluated using reaction products, 2,3-DHBA, 2,5-DHBA, and catechol. The formation rate of hydroxyl radical was dependent on the ratio of ferrous ion to hydrogen peroxide and pH values. The difference between various pH values was explored. The kinetics and mechanisms of hydroxyl radical reactions were established in the Fenton process. Experimental results showed that the best reaction conditions were 8.5 mM H₂O₂, 1.25 mM Fe^2 +, Fe^2 +/H₂O₂=0.147 at pH 3 and the formation rate constant of hydroxyl radical was 1.12 × 10¹¹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹.