Keywords
oxidation
wastewater
phenol
circular economy
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Abstract
Rice parboiling effluents contain non-biodegradable compounds that are toxic to aquatic ecosystems. Here, we used a highly dispersed Fe catalyst supported on rice husk-derived silica (5Fe@SiO₂) to oxidize phenol in rice parboiling wastewater. The reaction was carried out at 25 °C under atmospheric pressure. The catalyst achieved a 67% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD), 68.4% mineralization, and 81.4% phenol conversion after 36 hours. These results demonstrate the catalyst’s potential for application in wastewater treatment, whose implementation represents a valuable strategy for conserving natural resources and preserving biodiversity in Colombia. Our results contribute to the transition toward a circular economy by promoting the valorization of rice husk-derived silica as a sustainable catalyst support.
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