Decomposition and Mineralization of Dimethyl Phthalate in an Aqueous Solution by Wet Oxidation

Abstract

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) was treated via wet oxygen oxidation process (WOP). The decomposition efficiencyηDMPof DMP and mineralization efficiencyηTOCof total organic carbons were measured to evaluate the effects of operation parameters on the performance of WOP. The results revealed that reaction temperatureTis the most affecting factor, with a higherToffering higherηDMPandηTOCas expected. TheηDMPincreases as rotating speed increases from 300 to 500 rpm with stirring enhancement of gas liquid mass transfer. However, it exhibits reduction effect at 700 rpm due to purging of dissolved oxygen by overstirring. Regarding the effects of pressurePT, a higherPTprovides more oxygen for the forward reaction with DMP, while overhighPTincreases the absorption of gaseous products such as CO2and decomposes short-chain hydrocarbon fragments back into the solution thus hindering the forward reaction. For the testedPTof 2.41 to 3.45 MPa, the results indicated that 2.41 MPa is appropriate. A longer reaction time of course gives better performance. At 500 rpm, 483 K, 2.41 MPa, and 180 min, theηDMPandηTOCare 93 and 36%, respectively.