Degradation of reactive dyes by contact glow discharge electrolysis in the presence of Cl− ions: kinetics and AOX formation

The plasma generated around the anode during contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE) is a rich source of hydroxyl (OH) radicals that can efficiently degrade organic contaminants in aqueous solutions. The degradation of textile azo dyestuffs, Reactive Yellow 176 (Y3RS), Reactive Red 239 (R3BS) and Reactive Black 5 (B5), by anodic CGDE was investigated in the presence of chloride (Cl⁻) ions. The degradation kinetics of the dyes was dependent on the concentration of Cl⁻ ions and on the respective dye being treated. R3BS degradation was inhibited by Cl⁻ ions in the range of 0–0.01 M. When the Cl⁻ ion concentration was less than 0.02 M, the dyes followed pseudo first-order degradation kinetics. For concentrations greater than 0.02 M, the degradation of Y3RS and B5 was significantly enhanced compared to the degradation of R3BS and deviated from first-order reaction kinetics. The presence of Cl⁻ ions (0.03 M) did not appear to improve dye mineralization but resulted in the formation of adsorbable organic halogens (AOX). The results indicated that the AOX could be abated with prolonged electrolytic treatment. This observation is significant for the assessment of the environmental impact of this technology for wastewater treatment.