Titanium Dioxide-mediated Photocatalysed Mineralization of Two Selected Organic Pollutants in Aqueous Suspensions

Publisher： Science and Technology Network Inc.

ISSN： 1203-8407

Source： Journal of Advanced Oxidation Technologies, Vol.16, Iss.2, 2013-07, pp. : 252-260

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Abstract

Titanium dioxide-mediated photocatalytic mineralization of two selected organic pollutants such as Metalaxyl (ML) and Tinidazole (TN) has been investigated in aqueous suspensions in the presence of atmospheric oxygen under a variety of conditions. The mineralization was studied by monitoring the depletion in total organic carbon (TOC) content as a function of irradiation time. In addition HPLC analysis technique was also used to monitor the degradation of model compounds under investigations. The mineralization kinetics of both compounds were investigated under different conditions such as type of TiO₂ (Anatase/Anatase-Rutile mixture), reaction pH, substrate concentration, catalyst dosage and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration. The mineralization rates were found to be strongly influenced by all the above parameters. The mineralization of both the compounds was also investigated under sunlight and the degradation efficiency was compared with that of artificial light source. An attempt was also made to identify the intermediate products formed during the photooxidation of ML and TN using GC-MS analysis technique. Both compounds showed the formation of several byproducts. A probable pathway for the formation of different products has been proposed.