Factors affecting the photocatalytic degradation of dichlorvos over titanium dioxide supported on glass

Abstract

The photocatalytic degradation of organophosphorus insecticide, dichlorvos, on glass-supported titanium dioxide was investigated. The photoreactor coated with titanium dioxide was illuminated with a 20 W black-light UV fluorescent tube. The aqueous solution containing dichlorvos was continuously pumped through the photoreactor. Several factors, such as the initial dichlorvos concentration, dissolved oxygen, electrolytes, flow rate and temperature, affecting the oxidation rate of dichlorvos were studied. The results indicate that photocatalysis can be an effective process for the degradation of dichlorvos. The activated energy for the photocatalytic degradation of dichlorvos is 28.4 kJ mol −1. The initial quantum yield for the destruction of dichlorvos is 2.67%. Increasing the flow rate and initial dichlorvos concentration increases the dichlorvos degradation rate. Total mineralization requires a much longer illumination time than the disappearance of dichlorvos. Phosphate-containing intermediates are more stable than chloride-containing intermediates. It is shown that the photocatalytic oxidation of dichlorvos follows the Langmuir—Hinshelwood-type behavior, and reaction byproducts display an inhibiting effect on degradation rate.