In this study, the influence of pH and FeSO₄:H₂O₂ ratio in degradation of p-Cresol by Fenton's Reagent was evaluated. Initially, the optimum treatment conditions of p-Cresol which include pH, time and dosage ratio were examined. Subsequently, wastewater containing p-Cresol was treated with the optimum condition. Results from this study were interpreted through spectra overlay, removal percentage of p-Cresol and COD removal percentage. The experiments show that degradation of p-Cresol is more efficient when in weak acid environment. The optimum pH for p- Cresol to degrade is at pH 3.5. In this state, concentration reduction and COD reduction percentage achieved 39.44% and 58.04% respectively. The optimum time for degradation of p-Cresol was found to be 60 minutes. Beyond this time, the concentration reduction only experienced insignificant increase. As for ratio of Fenton's reagent, dosages 1:5 FeSO₄:H₂O₂ has the best reduction efficiency. Excessive of FeSO₄ will induce H₂O₂ to act as the scavenger. The COD removal efficiency of p-Cresol was affected when background wastewater matrix. The COD reduction of p-Cresol solution was 56.03% while 48.16% in rubber manufacturing wastewater. As for leachate, only 28.05% COD was reduced.
