Effect of catalytic oxidation for removal of PAHs from aqueous solution

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The aim of the study was to determine the removal efficiency of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) (Σ 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-ring PAHs) from aqueous solution using dihydrogen dioxide in the presence of cobalt, platinum, and titanium catalysts. The research was based on the determination of the COD (Total Organic Carbon) in aqueous solution (distilled water with a standard mixture of 16 PAHs). On the basis of the determined value of COD, the oxidant dose—30% solution of dihydrogen dioxide—was calculated. Adequate amounts of dihydrogen dioxide and catalyst were added to the samples. The samples were mixed and left in laboratory conditions for 12 h. Then, PAHs were determined in duplicate. The analysis of PAHs included sample preparation and quantitative and qualitative chromatographic determination, which was performed using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. The use of a cobalt catalyst resulted in the removal of 16 PAHs in 25%. A dose of an oxidant in the amount of 0.818 mL per liter of the analyzed sample was used. An increase in the amount of dihydrogen dioxide led to higher oxidation efficiency—31% and it gave the final concentration of 1,978 ng/L. Platinum catalyst caused the removal of 16 PAHs by 32%, reaching the final concentration of 1,940 ng/L. The best result for the removal of PAHs was achieved using a titanium catalyst. The amount of oxidant equal to 0.818 mL per liter of the analyzed sample caused a 91% decrease in the summary concentration of 16 PAHs.