Utilization of H2O2 and UV solar radiation in the vinasse treatment

• Grant number: 12/14885-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): October 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
• Principal Investigator: Maria Cristina Rizk
• Grantee: Lays Harumi Morimoto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The expansion of the sugarcane sector in Brazil has been quite significantly in recent decades, mainly in the São Paulo state. Therefore, concerns about the environment increases due to the rising generation of the ethanol's main residue, vinasse. This residue is concerning because of its quantitative and qualitative characteristics. The vinasse can change properties of soil and contaminate surface and underground water, if disposed improperly. Also, for every liter of ethanol produced is generated 13 liters of vinasse. There are several methods of treatment and alternative uses for vinasse, such as fertigation, anaerobic digestion or animal feed. However, these processes are partial in vinasse degradation, being necessary to study more advanced techniques for its effective treatment. In this context, due to the advanced oxidation processes are considered an alternative solution for the destruction of hazardous organic compounds, the proposed treatment to be studied is based on advanced oxidation process (AOP) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation from natural sources. The expected results are the possibility of vinasse treatment by a relatively simple and quick process, promoting improvements in aspects related to environment and public health. (AU)