<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><!DOCTYPE article  PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v3.0 20080202//EN" "http://dtd.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/3.0/journalpublishing3.dtd"><article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" dtd-version="3.0" xml:lang="en" article-type="research article"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">AJAC</journal-id><journal-title-group><journal-title>American Journal of Analytical Chemistry</journal-title></journal-title-group><issn pub-type="epub">2156-8251</issn><publisher><publisher-name>Scientific Research Publishing</publisher-name></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/ajac.2016.712074</article-id><article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">AJAC-72601</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Articles</subject></subj-group><subj-group subj-group-type="Discipline-v2"><subject>Chemistry&amp;Materials Science</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title-group><article-title>
 
 
  Kinetics of Degradation of Eosin Y by One of the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)—Fenton’s Process
 
</article-title></title-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Ashraf</surname><given-names>Hossain</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>A.</surname><given-names>B. M. Sadique Rayhan</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"><sup>2</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Md.</surname><given-names>Jahir Raihan</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Aklima</surname><given-names>Nargis</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Iqbal</surname><given-names>M. I. Ismail</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3"><sup>3</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Ahsan</surname><given-names>Habib</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff4"><sup>4</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Abu</surname><given-names>Jafar Mahmood</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib></contrib-group><aff id="aff2"><addr-line>Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff3"><addr-line>Centre of Excellence in Environmental Studies &amp;amp; Department of Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff4"><addr-line>Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff1"><addr-line>Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh</addr-line></aff><pub-date pub-type="epub"><day>07</day><month>12</month><year>2016</year></pub-date><volume>07</volume><issue>12</issue><fpage>863</fpage><lpage>879</lpage><history><date date-type="received"><day>August</day>	<month>2,</month>	<year>2016</year></date><date date-type="rev-recd"><day>Accepted:</day>	<month>December</month>	<year>4,</year>	</date><date date-type="accepted"><day>December</day>	<month>7,</month>	<year>2016</year></date></history><permissions><copyright-statement>&#169; Copyright  2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. </copyright-statement><copyright-year>2014</copyright-year><license><license-p>This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</license-p></license></permissions><abstract><p>
 
 
  Kinetics of homogeneous degradation of Eosin Y (EY), also known as Acid red 87 (CI 45380), are studied, mostly using Fenton’s process, at 30
  ℃ by monitoring its absorbance at 517 nm (λ
  <sub>max</sub> of EY). This process is one of the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Mixture of H
  <sub>2</sub>O
  <sub>2</sub> and Fe(II) ion in acetate buffer medium (pH 2.74 - 4.56) generates hydroxyl free radicals (
  ?OH) which attack the dye molecules, resulting in degradation of the dye molecules. Results show that the initial rate of EY degradation decreases with the increasing of solution pH because of removal of kinetically important Fe (iron) species through formation of ferric hydroxide. On the other hand, the rate increases with increasing the concentrations of H
  <sub>2</sub>O
  <sub>2</sub>, Fe(II) and EY at low solution pH. The initial rate increases with increasing of concentration of H2O2 and, subsequently remains unaffected with further increase of its concentration at a constant Fe(II) concentration because of the enhanced scavenging environment created by H
  <sub>2</sub>O
  <sub>2</sub> at its higher concentration. The initial rate also increases with increasing of concentration of Fe(II) at a constant H
  <sub>2</sub>O
  <sub>2</sub> concentration and remains unaffected with its further increase. EY concentration also enhances the initial rate at low pH. However, the initial rate is significantly enhanced by UV light. This is because of formation of additional hydroxyl radicals through excitation of the dye molecules by UV light. During the period of experiment, EY in aqueous solution alone hardly suffered any degradation. Degradation mechanism of EY by the Fenton and photo-Fenton’s processes is also discussed. Statistical analysis was used to validate the experimental results. Low values of the standard deviation for both the initial rate and % degradation indicated the consistency of the experimental data. 
 
</p></abstract><kwd-group><kwd>Eosin Y</kwd><kwd> Fenton’s Process</kwd><kwd> Pseudo First-Order</kwd><kwd> Initial Rate</kwd><kwd> Degradation</kwd></kwd-group></article-meta></front><body><sec id="s1"><title>1. Introduction</title><p>Synthetic dyes are widely used in dyeing, painting, leather making, printing, paper making, cosmetics, photography, and coating [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref1">1</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref2">2</xref>] . Wastewater especially from dyeing/textile industries contains about 15% of the total dye that is discharged into the nearby water bodies without adequate treatment resulting in water pollution [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref3">3</xref>] . Water pollution is common in developing countries. One example is Bangladesh. Dyes in wastewaters are non-biodegradable. Phase transfer of pollutants from aqueous system into sludge takes place when attempts are made to remove them by coagulation/flocculation, membrane separation (ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis) or adsorption on activated carbon [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref4">4</xref>] . To overcome such a problem, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) were developed to mineralize the organic pollutants. The mineralized components are mainly CO<sub>2</sub>, H<sub>2</sub>O and inorganic ions and/or biodegradable compounds [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref5">5</xref>] . AOPs are considered as promising methods for the treatment of industrial wastewater since they are environmentally friendly.</p><p>Eosin Y (EY), a synthetic heterocyclic compound, is a red fluorescent dye in the form of triclinic crystals. All forms of Eosins are bromine derivatives of fluorescein. They are used in dyeing/textiles, ink manufacturing, in coloring cosmetics and gasoline and as a toner. EY is a stable dye and has been used as a catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of some aromatic compounds e.g., arenediazonium salts. The dye shows redox properties with redox potential of 1.1 V (vs. SCE) for the pair EY<sup>+</sup>/EY<sup>*</sup> [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref6">6</xref>] . Wastewater containing EY causes serious environmental problems due to its stability and dark color [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref6">6</xref>] . Moreover, Muruganandham and Swaminathan [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref7">7</xref>] reported that the dye, EY, was potentially hazardous to human health.</p><p>Among the AOPs, the homogeneous Fenton’s reactions [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref8">8</xref>] , comprising reactions of ionic iron (Fe<sup>2+</sup>/Fe<sup>3+</sup>) and hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>), appear to be a promising method to be applied to dye mineralization. This is because of its simple operation, fast initial rate of reaction, low toxicity and it is environment friendly. However, the formation of iron sludge and its effectiveness at acidic pH are likely to be the barrier of its wide applications. AOPs generate hydroxyl radical which is the most reactive oxidizing species in water treatment, with an oxidation potential between 2.8 V (pH = 0) and 1.95 V (pH = 14) vs. SCE (saturated calomel electrode) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref9">9</xref>] . The hydroxyl radical is very non-selective in nature and rapidly reacts with numerous organic species with relatively higher rate constants (10<sup>8</sup> - 10<sup>10</sup> M<sup>−1</sup>∙s<sup>−1</sup>) resulting in formation of mineralized products like, CO<sub>2</sub>, H<sub>2</sub>O and inorganic ions and/or biodegradable compounds [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref10">10</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref11">11</xref>] .</p><p>In the present study, Eosin Y, a dye widely used in many industries, has been taken as a model compound. The homogeneous Fenton’s process has been used to investigate the effects of some kinetic parameters, such as concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, Fe(II), EY and solution pH on its initial rates of its degradation in aqueous system. The dye is degraded in the dark but the rate of degradation and extent of degradation are enhanced in the presence of UV light.</p></sec><sec id="s2"><title>2. Experimental</title><sec id="s2_1"><title>2.1. Materials</title><p>Reagent grade (RG) Eosin Y (EY) was purchased from the local market and used without further purification. Analar grade (AR) Mohr’s salt, FeSO<sub>4</sub>∙(NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>∙6H<sub>2</sub>O, hydrogen peroxide (RG), sodium hydroxide (RG), sulfuric acid (RG), oxalic acid (AR), potassium permanganate (RG), potassium nitrate (RG), glacial acetic acid (RG), sodium acetate (RG), and 1,10-phenanthroline were purchased from BDH. Deionized water was used throughout the experiment.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2"><title>2.2. Experimental Procedures</title><sec id="s2_2_1"><title>2.2.1. Preparation of Dye Solution</title><p>2.58 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M stock solution of EY was made by dissolving 0.42 g dye in a 250 mL volumetric flask with deionized water. The flask was then wrapped with aluminum foil and stored in the dark. Concentrations of the samples of the EY solutions during experiments were determined by measuring the absorbance at 517 nm (λ<sub>max</sub> of EY) using its molar absorption coefficient (ε<sub>EY</sub> = 5.46 &#215; 10<sup>4</sup> L∙mol<sup>−1</sup>∙cm<sup>−1</sup> at 30˚C). To calculate the absorption coefficient of EY at 517 nm, five different concentrations of EY were prepared in acetate buffer (pH 4.60) and their absorbance was monitored at 517 nm. The obtained absorbance was plotted against their respective concentrations that showed a straight line which passed through the origin (y = mx, m stands for slope). Beer’s law was obeyed over about 2 orders of magnitude of EY concentration. The absorption coefficient of EY was then calculated from the slope of the straight line by using A = εcl equation. (where ε stands for absorption coefficient, A for absorbance, c for concentration and l for cell path length that is 1). Concentration of the EY stock solution was 2.58 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M.</p></sec><sec id="s2_2_2"><title>2.2.2. Preparation of Fe(II), H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and Acetate Buffer Solutions</title><p>A stock solution of Fe(II) was prepared from requisite amount of Mohr’s salt in a 250 mL volumetric flask by using deionized water containing sufficient amount of sulfuric acid. The permanganate solution was standardized by standard oxalic acid solution. A stock solution of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> solution was prepared through dilution from its 28% solution in a 250 mL volumetric flask and then standardized by the standard permanganate solution. Acetate buffer solution was prepared through mixing of separately prepared acetic acid and sodium acetate solutions. Dilute sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide solution was added to the buffer solution to adjust the solution pH. Spectrophotometric analysis of the Mohr’s salt stock solution, using 1,10-phenanthroline in acetate buffer (pH 4.60) at 510 nm (λ<sub>max</sub> of Fe(II)-phenanthroline complex), verified the concentration of Fe(II) in the solution. Here absorption coefficient of the Fe(II)-phenanthroline complex was calculated from the slope of the straight line of absorbance vs. concentration of Fe(II)/1,10-phenanthroline plot by using A = εcl equation. The calculated absorption coefficient (ε) value was found to be 1.11 &#215; 10<sup>4</sup> L∙mol<sup>−1</sup>∙cm<sup>−1</sup> at 30˚C which nicely satisfies the literature value, 1.10 &#215; 10<sup>4</sup> L∙mol<sup>−1</sup>∙cm<sup>−1</sup> [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref12">12</xref>] .</p></sec><sec id="s2_2_3"><title>2.2.3. Degradation of EY by Fenton’s Process</title><p>A typical experiment was carried out in the following way: 40 mL reaction mixture containing dye solution, acetate buffer solution of known pH and Fe(II) solution was taken in a flask and kept it in a water bath (30˚C). The pH of the mixture was measured at 30˚C by using a pH meter (Orion, Japan). The reaction was started by adding 10 mL H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> solution which was also kept at 30˚C. The well agitated reaction mixture was quickly taken into 1-cm quartz cell (Sigma Aldrich) which was kept in the thermostat compartment of the spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-160A, Japan). The absorbance of the solution was measured at 517 nm at different time intervals e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5 min.</p><p>The degradation of EY by photo-Fenton’s process was carried out in the presence of UV light in a specially designed light house.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s2_3"><title>2.3. Determination of Initial Rates</title><p>Pseudo first-order kinetics provides rather accurate rate data than generally realized i.e. second-order kinetics [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref13">13</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref14">14</xref>] . Concentration of Eosin Y (EY) was measured at different time intervals e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5 min and the pseudo first-order rate constant (k&#162;, min<sup>−1</sup>) was obtained from the slope of Ln A vs. time (min) plot. The initial rates were calculated from the observed pseudo first order rate constants, according to the following Equation (1) and Equation (2):</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula11"><label>(1)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x2.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula12"><label>(2)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x3.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><p>where, R<sub>i</sub> = initial rate (mol∙L<sup>−1</sup>∙min<sup>−1</sup>),</p><p>A<sub>o</sub> = absorbance at t = 0,</p><p><inline-formula><inline-graphic xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x4.png" xlink:type="simple"/></inline-formula>= molar absorption coefficient (L∙mol<sup>−1</sup>∙cm<sup>−1</sup>),<sub> </sub></p><p><inline-formula><inline-graphic xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x5.png" xlink:type="simple"/></inline-formula>= cell path length (cm) = 1 cm.</p></sec><sec id="s2_4"><title>2.4. Determination of % Degradation</title><p>For each set of experiment, the initial absorbance of desired EY concentration was measured at 517 nm, in the presence of all the reagents except H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> where aqueous solution of all the reagents except EY, was as reference. After that a new solution of the desired EY concentration was prepared with all the reagents and reaction started just after addition of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. According to the present experimental conditions, the reaction time was 30 min. After 30 min, the absorbance was measured with the same aqueous reagents solution as a reference. In each experiment, the % degradation was calculated according to the following Equation (3):</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula13"><label>(3)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x6.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><p>Here, A<sub>o</sub> = absorbance at time, t = 0 min.</p><p>A<sub>t</sub> = absorbance at t = 30 min.</p></sec><sec id="s2_5"><title>2.5. Statistical Analysis</title><p>To validate the experimental results, statistical analysis, such as standard deviation was calculated to quantify the amount of variation or dispersion of a set of data values. A low standard deviation value indicates that the data points tend to be close to the mean of the set, while a high value indicates that the data points are spread out over a wider range of values.</p><p>Standard deviation was calculated for each set of experiment through carrying out at least three times, and calculated according to the following Equation (4):</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula14"><label>(4)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x7.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><p><inline-formula><inline-graphic xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x8.png" xlink:type="simple"/></inline-formula>= standard deviation,</p><p><inline-formula><inline-graphic xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x9.png" xlink:type="simple"/></inline-formula>= each value of data-set,</p><p><inline-formula><inline-graphic xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x10.png" xlink:type="simple"/></inline-formula>= arithmetic mean of the data,</p><p><inline-formula><inline-graphic xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x11.png" xlink:type="simple"/></inline-formula>= total number of data points.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s3"><title>3. Results and Discussion</title><sec id="s3_1"><title>3.1. General</title><p>Prior to discuss the effects of some kinetic parameters on the initial rates of degradation of Eosin Y by Fenton’s process, it is desirable to focus the characteristics of the dye, EY, on aqueous solution. Eosin Y is an anionic azo dye. It is available as Na-salt (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>). Its spectrum in aqueous solution shows four peaks at 517 nm, 342 nm, 301 nm and 254 nm with molar absorption coefficients 5.46 &#215; 10<sup>4</sup> L∙mol<sup>−1</sup>∙cm<sup>−1</sup>, 0.40 &#215; 10<sup>4</sup> L∙mol<sup>−1</sup>∙cm<sup>−1</sup>, 1.03 &#215; 10<sup>4</sup> L∙mol<sup>−1</sup>∙cm<sup>−1</sup> and 2.20 &#215; 10<sup>4</sup> L∙mol<sup>−1</sup>∙cm<sup>−1</sup> respectively (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref>). The peak at 517 nm is the most intense and this peak was taken as the λ<sub>max</sub>, at which degradation (decrease in absorbance) of EY was studied.</p><p>The conjugation effect in EY, because of the polycyclic aromatic chromophore, produces the most intense peak at 517 nm. Its peak at 301 nm arises due to the presence of the carbonyl group (-C=O) in the aromatic ring. The relatively weak peak at 342 nm is ascribed to the presence of the carboxylic group in the aromatic rings. The peak at 254 nm arises is due to the presence of benzene ring in the structure of EY. As abovementioned, the presence of the polycyclic aromatic rings is responsible for the most intense peak of EY at 517 nm which is visible range. Therefore, disappearance of color of the EY indicates the degradation of the polycyclic aromatic rings resulting in formation of smaller components and ions, such as CO<sub>2</sub>, Br<sup>−</sup>, Na<sup>+</sup> etc.</p><p>In normal solution (pH ~ 6) EY remains mostly as B (EY<sup>2−</sup>), as the pH decreases the species C (HEY<sup>−</sup>) is formed and on the further decrease the species D (H<sub>2</sub>EY) will be formed as shown in Equation (5) and <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig3">Figure 3</xref>.</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula15"><label>(5)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x12.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><fig id="fig1"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref></label><caption><title> The structure of Eosin Y</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x13.png"/></fig><fig id="fig2"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref></label><caption><title> The Spectrum of Eosin Y in aqueous solution at pH 4.60 (Ref.: Aqueous acetate buffer)</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x14.png"/></fig><p>The situation is shown below:</p><p>In this study, EY has been used to represent any of the forms of EY (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig3">Figure 3</xref>) although the predominant species at the experimental pH (3.78) is form C. As shown in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>, the absorbance of EY increases with increasing of its solution pH. This is because of the enhancing in conjugation of the aromatic rings of EY structure through formation of carboxylate as well as hydroxylate anions at higher pH that favors the excitation (Equation (5) and <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig3">Figure 3</xref>). However, protonation of the EY<sup>2−</sup> (D) at low pH (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>) reduces the conjugation which needs higher energy for excitation.</p><p>A mixture of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and Fe(II) ions in the aqueous solution is known as Fenton’s reagent. It has been experimentally proven that Fenton’s reagent generates hydroxyl free radicals (<sup>•</sup>OH) which attack organic molecules non-selectively resulting in mineralization of the parent molecules [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref15">15</xref>] . Reactivity of Fenton’s reagent mainly depends on the</p><fig id="fig3"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig3">Figure 3</xref></label><caption><title> The probable species of EY in aqueous solution at different pH</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x15.png"/></fig><fig id="fig4"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref></label><caption><title> Effect of pH on the absorbance, at λ<sub>max</sub> = 517 nm, of Eosin Y solution</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x16.png"/></fig><p>rate of formation of reactive species, for example, <sup>•</sup>OH but irrespective of the EY species.</p><p>In our previous studies [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref16">16</xref>] , we observed no significant difference between % decolorization and % degradation of Ponceau S (PS) by using ZnO-mediated photodegradation through measuring disappearance of PS color and TOC (total organic carbon). Of course, decolorization of organic dyes is faster than their photodegradation. Obviously, the photodecolorization of organic dyes is related to their degradation. Accordingly, studies on photodecolorization gave a measure of the photodegradation of the dyes. Rate of degradation is only depends on the rate of formation of hydroxyl free radicals which depends on the kinetic parameters, for example, solution pH, concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, Fe(II) and EY. Therefore, it has considered that the disappearance of color (decolorization) of EY solution is proportional to its degradation. According to the present experimental results, the effective solution pH for significant degradation of EY would be 2.74.</p></sec><sec id="s3_2"><title>3.2. Factors Affecting the Initial Rates of Degradation of EY by Fenton’s Process</title><sec id="s3_2_1"><title>3.2.1. Effect of pH on Initial Rate of Degradation of EY</title><p>Hydrogen peroxide undergoes auto decomposition at low pH [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref15">15</xref>] . On the other hand, Fe(III) form hydroxide species through hydrolysis reaction from pH ~ 2.8 resulting in removing of kinetically important Fe species [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref17">17</xref>] . All these contribute to the lowering of initial rate with rise in pH of the solution (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>). Thus the degradation of EY by Fe(II) + H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> could be studied only in a narrow range of hydrogen ion concentration. The decrease in initial rate with pH is typical for a Fenton’s process (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref18">18</xref>] .</p><p>The minimum decrease in the rate is around pH 4, above which it increases with pH. This can be explained by considering the values of the slopes at pH 4 and 4.5 (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>). The decrease in the initial rate has been attributed to the formation of colloidal ferric species that decompose H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref19">19</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref20">20</xref>] . On the other hand, if the pH is too low, <sup>•</sup>OH radicals are destroyed according to the Equation (6):</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula16"><label>(6)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x17.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula></sec><sec id="s3_2_2"><title>3.2.2. Effect of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> Concentration on Initial Rate of Degradation of EY</title><p>H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> generates hydroxyl free radical (<sup>•</sup>OH) in the presence of Fe(II) ion. Accordingly,</p><fig id="fig5"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref></label><caption><title> Influence of pH on the initial rate of degradation of EY. [EY]: 2.58 &#215; 10<sup>−5</sup> M, [Fe(II)]: 2.00 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup> M, [H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>]: 7.90 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M, Temperature: 30˚C</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x18.png"/></fig><p>the concentration of hydroxyl radical (<sup>•</sup>OH) is expected to be proportional to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide.</p><p>At a constant temperature and for a fixed amount of EY and Fe(II), and at a fixed pH, the initial rate of degradation of EY (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig6">Figure 6</xref>) increases with the increase in H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2 </sub>concentration. However, above a certain concentration of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, ~ 10.00 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M, the initial rate remains almost unaffected with further increase in H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration at pH 3.78, [EY]: 2.58 &#215; 10<sup>−5</sup> M and [Fe(II)]: 2.00 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup> M. The degradation of EY also increases with the increase in H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2 </sub>concentration, but virtually becomes independent of its concentration under these conditions (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>).</p><p>In Fenton’s process, hydrogen peroxide generates hydroxyl free radical (<sup>•</sup>OH) through reaction with Fe(II), however, at high H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration, hydroxyl radical efficiently reacts with H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and produces hydrogen dioxide radical (HO<sub>2</sub><sup>•</sup>), also <sup>•</sup>OH radicals generated at high concentration react with HO<sub>2</sub><sup>•</sup> or dimerize to H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. It is obvious that HO<sub>2</sub><sup>•</sup> radicals are less reactive than <sup>•</sup>OH radicals, therefore leading to negligible contribution in degradation of the dye molecules [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref18">18</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref21">21</xref>] .</p></sec><sec id="s3_2_3"><title>3.2.3. Effect of Fe(II) Ion Concentration on Initial Rate of Degradation of EY</title><p>The formation of hydroxyl radical (<sup>•</sup>OH) is also directly proportional to the concentration of Fe(II) ion. Under constant temperature and for fixed concentrations of EY, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and at a constant solution pH, the initial rate of degradation of EY increases with the increase in concentration of Fe(II) (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref>).</p><p>The pattern of this increase appears to be unaffected by H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration until the H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration is more than ~16 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M. Three folds increase in H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration seems to initiate another reaction path in which the hydroxyl radical (<sup>•</sup>OH) may react with H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> that can be shown by the Equation (7):</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula17"><label>(7)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x19.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><fig id="fig6"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig6">Figure 6</xref></label><caption><title> Influence of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration on the initial rate of degradation of EY. [EY]: 2.58 &#215; 10<sup>−5</sup> M, [Fe(II)]: 2.00 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup> M, pH: 3.78, Temperature: 30˚C</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x20.png"/></fig><table-wrap id="table1" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref></label><caption><title> Initial rate of degradation of EY by Fenton’s process for reaction time 30 min (Temperature: 30˚C)</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >[H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>] &#215; 10<sup>3</sup> M</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >[Fe(II)] &#215; 10<sup>4</sup> M</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >pH</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >[EY] &#215; 10<sup>5</sup> M</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Initial rate &#215; 10<sup>7</sup> mol/L min</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >(%) Degradation (after 30 min)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.58 3.95 7.90 15.80 23.70</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.58</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.41 &#177; 0.01 6.45 &#177; 0.01 7.41 &#177; 0.03 8.15 &#177; 0.04 8.31 &#177; 0.04</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >27.18 &#177; 0.85 30.15 &#177; 0.98 31.67 &#177; 1.04 32.47 &#177; 1.06 33.05 &#177; 1.06</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.90</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.50 1.00 2.00 2.50 3.00 4.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.58</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.43 &#177; 0.01 5.88 &#177; 0.01 7.35 &#177; 0.02 7.48 &#177; 0.03 7.74 &#177; 0.03 7.84 &#177; 0.03</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18.09 &#177; 0.62 23.39 &#177; 0.64 27.62 &#177; 0.87 28.80 &#177; 0.88 30.00 &#177; 0.96 31.35 &#177; 1.02</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >15.80</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.50 1.00 2.00 2.50 3.00 4.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.58</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.08 &#177; 0.02 7.25 &#177; 0.04 8.26 &#177; 0.04 8.59 &#177; 0.05 8.88 &#177; 0.05 9.03 &#177; 0.05</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21.65 &#177; 0.66 26.14 &#177; 0.79 32.50 &#177; 1.03 33.42 &#177; 1.05 36.18 &#177; 1.06 39.29 &#177; 1.08</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >23.70</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.50 1.00 2.00 2.50 3.00 4.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.58</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.41 &#177; 0.03 8.85 &#177; 0.03 9.11 &#177; 0.04 10.32 &#177; 0.05 11.61 &#177; 0.05</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >31.70 &#177; 1.03 33.42 &#177; 1.05 40.48 &#177; 1.09 38.12 &#177; 1.06 41.24 &#177; 1.10 42.71 &#177; 1.10</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.90</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.74 3.15 3.47 3.78 4.15 4.56</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.58</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13.49 &#177; 0.06 10.48 &#177; 0.05 8.31 &#177; 0.04 7.35 &#177; 0.05 5.42 &#177; 0.04 2.31 &#177; 0.02</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >51.49 &#177; 1.15 32.95 &#177; 1.04 26.50 &#177; 0.80 25.65 &#177; 0.71 21.47 &#177; 0.65 14.29 &#177; 0.56</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.90</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.24 1.86 2.58 3.41 4.14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.06 &#177; 0.01 4.56 &#177; 0.04 7.30 &#177; 0.05 10.64 &#177; 0.06 14.08 &#177; 0.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.11 &#177; 0.25 20.53 &#177; 0.60 26.94 &#177; 0.79 34.21 &#177; 1.05 34.51 &#177; 1.05</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >15.80</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.24 1.86 2.58 3.41 4.14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.91 &#177; 0.02 5.40 &#177; 0.05 9.03 &#177; 0.06 12.04 &#177; 0.07 14.78 &#177; 0.07</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21.89 &#177; 0.61 24.73 &#177; 0.72 31.87 &#177; 0.02 34.33 &#177; 1.05 35.57 &#177; 1.06</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>The generated <sup>•</sup>O<sub>2</sub>H radicals react with EY, but at a slow rate. The ultimate degradation of EY does not change significantly even if Fe(II) concentration is raised to 4.00 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup> M at pH 3.78 and at higher H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>).</p></sec><sec id="s3_2_4"><title>3.2.4. Effect of EY Concentration on Initial Rate of Degradation of EY</title><p>The variation of EY concentration (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig8">Figure 8</xref>) was investigated using Fenton’s process at 7.90 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M and 15.8 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and photo-Fenton’s process at 7.90 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. The kinetic parameters, such as concentrations of EY, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and pH, for the</p><fig id="fig7"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref></label><caption><title> Influence of Fe(II) concentration on the initial rate of degradation of EY. [EY]: 2.58 &#215; 10<sup>−5</sup> M, pH: 3.78, Temperature: 30˚C</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x21.png"/></fig><fig id="fig8"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig8">Figure 8</xref></label><caption><title> Influence of EY concentration on the initial rate of degradation of EY. [Fe(II)]: 2.00 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup>, pH: 3.78, Temperature: 30˚C</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x22.png"/></fig><p>Fenton and photo-Fenton’s processes were the same only an ultraviolet light source (UV<sub>A</sub>) was used in the photo-Fenton’s process.</p><p>As shown from <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig8">Figure 8</xref>, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration has the major influence on the initial rate of degradation of EY at definite concentrations of Fe(II) and EY, and at a fixed solution pH. If the H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration is below the optimum value, in the present case when [Fe(II)]: 2.00 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup> M and [H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>]: 7.90 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M, lower EY concentration facilitates the following reaction as shown in Equation (8):</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula18"><label>(8)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x23.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><p>However when the dye concentration is &gt;2.00 &#215; 10<sup>−5</sup> M, the expected reaction, i.e. the degradation of dye starts becoming favorable. The use of UV<sub>A</sub> (350 - 400 nm light) is responsible to change the situation, that is, increases the initial rate with the increase of EY concentration. This is because the UV light facilitates, primarily, the excitation of some dye molecules resulting in formation of additional <sup>•</sup>OH radicals. Moreover some dye molecules, however insignificant, may be directly degraded through the generation of dye molecular radicals by the UV light. All these enhance the initial rate of UV-assisted degradation of EY.</p><p>It is to be noted that UV<sub>A</sub> play a significant role on degradation of EY at [H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>]: 7.90 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M, [Fe(II)]: 2.00 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup> M and at pH 3.78 (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref>). The degradation was observed about 74% with 1.24 &#215; 10<sup>−5</sup> M EY concentration within 30 min. Further increase in EY concentration appears to decrease the degradation (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref>). One of the important reasons for this is the increase of inner filter effect by the increased numbers of EY species in solution. This diminishes the UV<sub>A</sub> photons that usually enhanced the concentration of <sup>•</sup>OH radicals through excitation of the EY species [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref22">22</xref>] .</p></sec><sec id="s3_2_5"><title>3.2.5. Effect of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> Concentration on Initial Rate of UV Light-Assisted Degradation of EY</title><p>As the UV light can excite dyes, an additional route to formation of (<sup>•</sup>OH) hydroxyl radical is created [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref23">23</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref24">24</xref>] .</p><p>In a previous study [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref25">25</xref>] , it was found that UV<sub>B</sub> (λ &lt; 350 nm) decolorized EY to some extent. In the present case, EY did not seem to undergo noticeable degradation with UV<sub>A</sub> up to 30 minutes. However when H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> at a relatively high concentration was used, there was noticeable degradation of EY in the absence of Fe(II) at pH ~ 6. The variation of initial rate with H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration is linear as shown in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig9">Figure 9</xref>. The intercept with the best fit plot (r<sup>2</sup> = 0.9980) (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig9">Figure 9</xref>) clearly indicates some degradation of EY by UV<sub>A</sub> is occurred but not detectable within 30 minutes by the present experimental technique.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s3_3"><title>3.3. Mechanism of Degradation of EY</title><p>In the aqueous acidic environment, in the presence of an organic substance, here EY and Fe(II) species, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> initiates a set of complex redox reactions [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref26">26</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref27">27</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref28">28</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref29">29</xref>]</p><table-wrap id="table2" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref></label><caption><title> Initial rate of degradation of EY by UV<sub>A</sub> with or without Fe(II) for reaction time 30 min (Temperature: 30˚C)</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Process</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >[H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>] &#215; 10<sup>3</sup> M</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >[Fe(II)] &#215; 10<sup>4</sup> M</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >pH</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >[EY] &#215; 10<sup>5</sup> M</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Initial rate &#215; 10<sup>7</sup> mol/L min</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >(%) Degradation (after 30 min)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Photo-Fenton</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.90</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.24 1.86 2.58 3.41 4.14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.20 &#177; 0.05 9.19 &#177; 0.07 11.51 &#177; 0.08 14.42 &#177; 0.08 16.06 &#177; 0.09</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >74.22 &#177; 1.22 66.35 &#177; 1.20 54.32 &#177; 1.16 48.95 &#177; 1.12 48.35 &#177; 1.12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >UV/H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >79.00 158.00 237.00 316.00 395.00</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-----</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >-----</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.58</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.04 &#177; 0.01 2.09 &#177; 0.01 2.84 &#177; 0.03 3.77 &#177; 0.04 4.64 &#177; 0.05</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.32 &#177; 0.09 15.03 &#177; 0.11 18.39 &#177; 0.60 24.65 &#177; 0.68 33.43 &#177; 1.03</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><fig id="fig9"  position="float"><label><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig9">Figure 9</xref></label><caption><title> Influence of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration on the initial rate of UV light-assisted degradation of EY. [EY]: 2.58 &#215; 10<sup>−5</sup> M, pH: 3.78, Temperature: 30˚C</title></caption><graphic mimetype="image"   position="float"  xlink:type="simple"  xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x24.png"/></fig><p>[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref30">30</xref>] . The overall reactions are shown by the following Equation (9) and Equation (10):</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula19"><label>(9)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x25.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula20"><label>(10)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x26.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><p>H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> reacts with Fe(II) to generate hydroxyl free radical (<sup>•</sup>OH) and Fe(II) converted into Fe(III) as shown in Equation (9)). Then Fe(III) reacts with H<sub>2</sub>O to form hydrogen dioxide radical (<sup>•</sup>O<sub>2</sub>H) (Equation (10)). The generated <sup>•</sup>OH radical reacts with the aqueous dye molecules (EY) to form their molecular radicals (<sup>•</sup>EY) (Equation (11)) and converted into their cations through reaction with Fe(III) species (Equation (12)).</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula21"><label>(11)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x27.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula22"><label>(12)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x28.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><p>Numerous competing reactions, involving Fe(II), Fe(III), H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, <sup>•</sup>OH, <sup>•</sup>O<sub>2</sub>H radicals derived from the substances, are possible. The following typical reactions may also take place:</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula23"><label>(13)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x29.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula24"><label>(14)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x30.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><p>Here the <sup>•</sup>OH radical further reacts with H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> to form <sup>•</sup>O<sub>2</sub>H radical (Equation (13)) and the generated <sup>•</sup>O<sub>2</sub>H reacts with Fe(III) resulting in diminishing of the reactive oxidizing species (Equation (14)).</p><p>In the presence of UV<sub>A</sub>, the following important processes can be occurred:</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula25"><label>(15)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x31.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula26"><label>(16)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x32.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><p>Here H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> produces <sup>•</sup>OH radical under UV irradiation (Equation (15)) and the dye molecules converted into either their molecular radical (<sup>•</sup>EY) and/or their cations (EY<sup>+</sup>) (Equation (16)).</p><p>Finally, degradation products (e.g., CO<sub>2</sub>, <inline-formula><inline-graphic xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x33.png" xlink:type="simple"/></inline-formula>,<inline-formula><inline-graphic xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x33.png" xlink:type="simple"/></inline-formula><inline-formula><inline-graphic xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x34.png" xlink:type="simple"/></inline-formula>) are formed through reactions between the <sup>•</sup>OH radical and/or other oxidizing species and EY/<sup>•</sup>EY/EY<sup>+</sup> as shown in Equation (17)).</p><disp-formula id="scirp.72601-formula27"><label>(17)</label><graphic position="anchor" xlink:href="http://html.scirp.org/file/1-2201456x35.png"  xlink:type="simple"/></disp-formula><p>EY stands for H<sub>2</sub>EY, HEY<sup>−</sup>, EY<sup>2−</sup>. Fe(II) and Fe(III) are respective free ions and/or any other of these forms.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s4"><title>4. Conclusions</title><p>The present work reveals that the initial rate of degradation of Eosin Y (EY) dye depends on the concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, Fe(II), EY and the solution pH. Degradation of EY is significantly regulated by its solution pH. Most of the EY species in solution remain as negatively charged species at solution pH ~ 6. The pH of EY solution was kept constant by sodium acetate buffer solution. The buffer did not appear to interfere with the normal rate of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2 </sub>or Fe(II).</p><p>Low solution pH (2.74) shows highest initial rate as well as degradation at [H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>]: 2.37 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup>; [Fe(III)]: 2.00 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup>; [EY]: 2.58 &#215; 10<sup>−5</sup> M, however, both the initial rate and degradation decrease with increasing of solution pH. This is because of removing of kinetically important iron (Fe) species through formation of ferric hydroxide. H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> also increases both the initial rate and degradation up to a certain concentration, after that virtually no effect was observed. This is because of scavenging of the hydroxyl radicals by the H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> at its higher concentration. Both the initial rate and degradation were significantly enhanced by using of photo-Fenton’s process. Fenton’s process showed the initial rate: 7.35 &#215; 10<sup>−7</sup> mol∙L<sup>−1</sup>∙min<sup>−1</sup> and degradation: 27.62% at [H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>]: 7.90 &#215; 10<sup>−3</sup> M; [Fe(II)]: 2.00 &#215; 10<sup>−4</sup> M; [EY]: 2.58 &#215; 10<sup>−5</sup> M and pH: 3.78 within 30 min reaction time, while photo-Fenton’s process showed the initial rate: 11.51 &#215; 10<sup>−7</sup> mol∙L<sup>−1</sup>∙min<sup>−1</sup> and degradation: 54.32% under the same experimental conditions.</p><p>The disappearance of color of EY solution and its mineralization to CO<sub>2</sub>, Br<sup>?</sup>, Na<sup>+</sup> should take place at different rates [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.72601-ref31">31</xref>] . High concentration of only H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> degrades EY<sub> </sub>solution significantly by UV<sub>A</sub>. This point is the fact that degradation of dyes in the textile factory effluents can be achieved simply with the help of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and sunlight (containing UV<sub>A</sub>) at relatively low pH e.g., 3.0.</p></sec><sec id="s5"><title>Acknowledgements</title><p>The authors acknowledge the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for financial support to carry out this work under the project “Photoelectrochemical splitting of water into hydrogen using solar light”.</p></sec><sec id="s6"><title>Cite this paper</title><p>Hossain, A., Rayhan, A.B.M.S., Raihan, M.J., Nargis, A., Ismail, I.M.I., Habib, A. and Mahmood, A.J. (2016) Kinetics of Degradation of Eosin Y by One of the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)―Fenton’s Process. 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