Ferrate (Fe(VI)) application for Municipal wastewater treatment: a novel process for simultaneous micropollutant oxidation and phosphate removal.

A novel technology for enhanced municipal wasterwater treatment was assessed based on the dual functions of Fe(VI) to oxidize micropollutants and remove phosphate by formation of ferric phosphates. Second-order rate constants (k) for the reactions of selected pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and organic model compounds with Fe(VI) were in the range of 1 (trimethylamine) to 9000 M(-1) s(-1) (aniline) in the pH-range 7-8. The selected compounds contained electron-rich moieties (ERM) such as phenols, anilines, amines, and olefins.