The application of MnO2 and KMnO4 for persistent organic compounds and COD removals in wastewater treatment process.

Abstract: This study examines the use of MnO2 and KMnO4 as strong oxidants to remove specific recalcitrant organic compounds and COD from wastewater. These compounds are deemed as potential and more cost-effective treatment in encountering the challenge to remove Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) and Endocrine Disrupter Compounds (EDCs) in wastewater to meet water reuse standard. The literature reviews concluded that both MnO2 and KMnO4 were able to remove recalcitrant organic compounds, such as 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), Bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan, and dye wastewater. Simple bench scale experiments were performed to investigate COD removal by utilizing MnO2 and KMnO4 to oxidize sewage water and supernatant in a continuously stirred tank reactor at the wastewaters’ natural pH (about pH 8). The results indicated that MnO2 was effective in removing COD of wastewater and not affected by the high content of suspended solids. The effectiveness of KMnO4 in removing COD of wastewater was masked by its ability to break down and solubilize particulate organic compounds. MnO2 application could not be mixed with the presence of other metal ions (or flocculants) as their presence may inhibit the efficiency of MnO2 oxidation. On the other hand, KMnO4 oxidation efficiency was not affected and even was enhanced by the presence of magnesium and calcium ions as flocculants.