This study evaluates the characterization and treatability of 2,4-D production wastewaters. Wastewaters contain 20000-40000 mg/l COD, 17000-30000 mg/l chloride and pH is around 1.0. Chemical oxidation with hydrogen peroxide provided almost complete COD removal. The optimum conditions are 3:1 H2O2/COD oxidant dosage, 3000 mg/l Fe3+ as catalyst and pH 3. Partial oxidation at 0.5:1 H2O2//COD ratio is also effective providing 67% COD removal. A batch activated sludge system is used for biological treatability. Dilution is needed to maintain a tolerable chloride concentration which increases through COD removal. pH also increased during COD removal. 85% COD removal is obtained for the 50% dilution at an organic loading of 0.3 day‒1 on a COD basis. Completely and partially oxidized wastewaters are also treated in the activated sludge down to 30 mg/l BOD5.
