Abstract

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) contains high concentration of organic matter, acidic pH values, suspended solids and high content of phenols and polyphenols which are toxic substances. The aim of this study is the removals of total phenol and two polyphenols namely tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol in the OMW by Nano-ZnO-Magnetite composite via photocatalytic degradation. For photocatalytic degradation under UV, with the optimum concentration of Nano-ZnO-Magnetite (3mg per liter), maximum 75% total phenol yield, 80% and 51% tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol removals was obtained at an irradiation time of 30 minute and at a UV power of 300W

Keywords: Olive mill effluent; Nano-ZnO-Magnetite composite; Phenol; Tyrosol; Hydroxytyrosol; Photocatalysis