In this work the potentiality of reductive-oxidative processes based on zero-valent iron was studied aiming the degradation of nitroaromatic compounds and the remediation of residues from the explosive industry. The reductive process was applied as a continuous treatment system, using steel-wool as zero-valent iron source. The process permitted an almost total degradation of nitrobenzene, nitrophenol, nitrotoluene, dinitrotoluene and trinitrotoluene, probably with generation of the respective amine-derivative. The yellow-water residue, containing soluble trinitrotoluene, was notably modified by the reductive process, a fact that permitted a substantial enhancement of its biodegradability. Furthermore, the subsequent photo-Fenton process allowed TOC removal of about 80%.
zero-valent iron; photo-Fenton; nitroaromatics
