[Treating Simulated Dye Wastewater by an Copper Ferrite Process].

Four types of simulated dye wastewater containing methylene blue, tartrazine, Congo red, and crystal violet were treated by an copper ferrite process, and the influencing factors of the operational parameters in this process were studied. The main mechanism of dye removal was suggested by reaction thermodynamics and solid products characterization for methylene blue removal. The results showed that an copper ferrite process could effectively remove four kinds of simulated dyes by adjusting reaction conditions appropriately. The maximum capacities of the copper ferrite process for methylene blue, crystal violet, tartrazine, and Congo red were 349.2, 382.2, 402.5 and 831.8 mg·g, respectively, under reaction condition of (Cu) of 0.01 mol·L, (Fe) of 0.025 mol·L, (OH)/(M)=1.7 (hydroxyl and metal molar ratio), reaction temperature of 40℃, and reaction time of 60 min. Comprehensive physical interactions, including a sweeping effect, encapsulation, and high active surface adsorption of the Fe-Cu precipitates were the dominant mechanisms in dye removal by the process. Copper ferrite, as an effective magnetic adsorbent and a highly efficient environmental catalyst, was regenerated by magnetic separation, catalytic oxidation, and high temperature calcination.