Titanium dioxide mediated photo-degradation of methyl orange by ultraviolet light

Author: Trabelsi Hassen   Khadhraoui Moncef   Hentati Olfa   Ksibi Mohamed  

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

ISSN: 0277-2248

Source: Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry, Vol.95, Iss.4, 2013-04, pp. : 543-558

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

The photo-degradation of an aqueous solution containing the azo dye methyl orange (MO) is reported. Disappearance of color and substrate together with decreases in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) content were observed. The effects of some auxiliary dyeing additives were also evaluated. The photo-decomposition followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Some by-products and their photo-degradation pathways were identified. In addition, the toxicity and phytotoxicity of some by-products were tested using the earthworm (Eisenia andrei) avoidance test and the Bromus ramosus seed germination test. High sensitivity of E. andrei towards soil wetted with MO solution was observed, and germination of B. ramosus seeds was inhibited by MO solution, while no effects were seen for the same solution after photocatalytic oxidation.