Fenton reaction, which involves hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ion, has been proposed as an efficient option for effluent treatment. In this work, the treatment of a pulp bleaching effluent using Fenton-type reactions assisted by either, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA) and 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (CAT), were studied. The treatment was evaluated by the removal of adsorbable organochloride compounds (AOX) and toxicity. Furthermore, the degradation of 2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol in aqueous solutions were carried out, separately. Increase in oxidative activities of Fenton-type reactions mediated by the dihydroxybenzenes (DHBs) were found. These activities enhancement were related with a higher production of activated species by Fe/DHBs/H2O2, as indicted by chemiluminesce. The large decrease in AOX values and toxicity of the treated bleaching effluent by DHBs at pH 4.0 and 7.0 showed that 2,3-DHBA enhanced the activity of the Fenton reaction. The use of 3,4-DHBA and CAT resulted in loss of efficiencies of Fenton reaction to effluent treatment but not to pure chlorophenol solutions. At pH 7.0 lower efficiencies than those at pH 4.0 were achieved.
