Integrated treatment of non-ionic surfactant containing industrial wastewater: process optimization, material selection and life cycle analysis

Promovendus/a: Maarten Nagels

Promotor(en): Prof. dr. ir. Raf Dewil, Prof. dr. ir. Barbara Rossi

Nonylphenols originate from nonionic surfactants, a specific type of detergents. These detergents are endocrine disruptors, which means that these “chemicals” are capable to unbalance the human hormonal system and current scientific literature of this matter is scarce. Thus, research of the degradation or modification of nonylphenol in order to remove its estrogenic properties is necessary to maintain proper public health. Some of the major technologies that are currently in the picture for an efficient removal of pollutants are Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP). The difference between various AOPs is the production pathway of oxidants (ozone and hydrogen based AOPs). The main goal of the research is to study the influence of different AOPs and process parameters on the degradation efficiency of nonylphenol. A second important aspect that requires attention is the corrosive nature of the strong oxidants. Therefore, it is not certain that the standard materials used are applicable for an AOP-unit. Duplex stainless steel on the other hand has the capacity to withstand the corrosive environment and has better mechanical properties. The scope of this PhD therefore additionally covers corrosion studies of duplex stainless steel and its applicability in water treatment plants.