At the core of the Fenton process is a redox reaction where ferrous iron catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The basic reaction can be represented as follows:
Fe2+ + H2O2 â Fe3+ + OH- + ·OH
The generated hydroxyl radicals are extremely powerful oxidizing agents, second only to fluorine in terms of oxidation potential. These radicals can attack and decompose various organic pollutants, leading to their mineralization into carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and inorganic ions.
