Decomposition and Mineralization of Dimethyl Phthalate in an Aqueous Solution by Wet Oxidation

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) was treated via wet oxygen oxidation process (WOP). The decomposition efficiency η (DMP) of DMP and mineralization efficiency η (TOC) of total organic carbons were measured to evaluate the effects of operation parameters on the performance of WOP. The results revealed that reaction temperature T is the most affecting factor, with a higher T offering higher η (DMP) and η (TOC) as expected. The η (DMP) increases as rotating speed increases from 300 to 500 rpm with stirring enhancement of gas liquid mass transfer. However, it exhibits reduction effect at 700 rpm due to purging of dissolved oxygen by overstirring. Regarding the effects of pressure P (T), a higher P (T) provides more oxygen for the forward reaction with DMP, while overhigh P (T) increases the absorption of gaseous products such as CO(2) and decomposes short-chain hydrocarbon fragments back into the solution thus hindering the forward reaction. For the tested P (T) of 2.41 to 3.45 MPa, the results indicated that 2.41 MPa is appropriate. A longer reaction time of course gives better performance. At 500 rpm, 483 K, 2.41 MPa, and 180 min, the η (DMP) and η (TOC) are 93 and 36%, respectively.