Removal of pollutants from wastewater resulted from biodiesel production by means of catalytic oxidation in suspension

Abstract

The decrease of pollution coming from wastewater resulted from biodiesel production was achieved by the partial catalytic oxidation of the main pollutant, glycerol, to readily biodegradable oxygenated compounds. The catalysts were fine particles of manganese and iron oxides obtained by specific processes. The experimental set-up was performed at temperatures ranging from 80 to 900C and a reaction time of 2 to 6 hours. The pollution was measured by CBO5, its decrease being from 315 mg/L to 61 mg/L.