Study on Fe-Co/γ-Al2O3 ozone-catalyzed degradation of coking reverse osmosis concentrates

Coking reverse osmosis concentrates (ROCs) are characterized by a high organic content, complex composition, and difficulty in biological degradation. To achieve the zero liquid discharge (ZLD) strategy, ROCs need to be treated urgently. This work aims to prepare a modified catalyst under high-efficiency activated alumina (γ-Al 2 O 3 ) loaded with Fe and Co bimetals and to degrade m-cresol as a typical pollutant in actual coking ROCs. The results showed that Fe and Co metals were successfully loaded. Meanwhile, the catalyst enhances the reactive active sites, reduces the activation energy of the reaction, and improves the degradation efficiency. The degradation mechanism and removal process were investigated. The results showed that with the optimal conditions, as ozone dosage of 50 mg/L, gas flow rate of 400 mL/min, catalyst dosage of 30 g/L, and pH value of 9, the removal rates of COD, TOC, and UV 254 were 75.61 %, 56.22 %, and 84.14 %, respectively. This study provides a better treatment option for the degradation of m-cresols in coking ROCs.