The enhancement effects of a Mn/Ce catalyst were studied on the wet air oxidation (WAO) process.  Tests were performed on three different common wastewaters:

• Acetic acid dissolved in water
• Acrylic acid wastewater, which is a mixture of organic acids
• Ammonia

All tests were conducted using a one hour reaction time and a variety of pH values and temperatures.  The test results indicate considerable performance enhancement from the catalyst.  In brief:

• Acetic acid destruction efficiency was increased from ~0% COD destruction without catalyst, to 77% destruction with catalyst at 250°C and neutral pH.
• Acrylic acid wastewater destruction efficiency was increased from 60% TOC destruction without catalyst to 99.5% TOC destruction with catalyst at 280°C and low pH.
• Ammonia destruction efficiency was increased to 66% destruction with catalyst at 280°C and at high pH.

Extended use tests were also performed with the acrylic acid wastewater to monitor for catalyst deactivation.  No noteworthy catalyst deactivation was observed after repeat use of the same catalyst material 4 times.