Optimal Degradation Conditions Research Articles

Electrochemical advanced oxidation of glucosinolates derived from rapeseed meal: Parameter optimization, degradation mechanism and toxicity assessment

Glucosinolates (GLS) are a group of antinutritional compounds present in rapeseed meal that limit its use as feed ingredients. Considering their potentially hazardous effects on both the aquatic environment and animal health, it is necessary to develop green and efficient degradation options for GLS. In the current work, the electrochemical advanced oxidation technology with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode was initially employed for the degradation of GLS. To facilitate parameter optimization, a sequential strategy comprising a definitive screening design and a central composite rotatable design was implemented. Particular attention was paid to the differing roles of five electrolyte salts (NaCl, NaNO3, Na2SO4, NaHCO3 and Na3PO4) during the electrolytic oxidations. The optimal conditions for GLS degradation were found to be a flow rate of 400 mL min−1, a applied current density of 7.75 mA cm−2 and a 2.0 mM NaNO3 medium, yielding mineralization of 82.2 % at 120 min of electrolysis. By combining the results of computational simulation and LC/MS analysis, four possible degradation pathways of allyl GLS at the BDD anode were proposed. And the ecotoxicity of each detected degradation product was determined using the ECOSAR program. Further biological toxicity assay revealed that crude GLS electrolysis reduced the toxicity on model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, reducing its death percentage by 26.80 % and its lipofuscin level by 37.59 % at 48 h. The results showed great promise of BDD technology in engineering applications as a powerful option for the treatment of GLS derived from rapeseed meal.

The efficiency of a granular Fe-based metal-organic framework for the persulfate oxidative degradation of levofloxacin, an emerging antibiotic in wastewater

This study presents a novel approach to solve the problems of leaching and regeneration of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in water treatment. The researchers developed a modified MOF by encapsulating MIL-88(Fe) with alginate. The modified MOF was then used to activate sulfate radicals with sodium persulfate for the degradation of levofloxacin (LVX) in water. Various characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, BET, FESEM, TG and EDS mapping, confirmed the successful synthesis of the modified MOF and revealed its characteristic facets. The catalytic and adsorptive abilities of the modified MOFs were investigated and sodium persulfate was found to be more effective than hydrogen peroxide in the degradation of LVX. Optimal degradation conditions were determined at a pH of 3, a concentration of 2.5 mM Na2S2O8 and a catalyst dosage of 0.75 g/L. The researchers also found that higher temperatures improved the removal of LVX. The granulated MOF showed remarkable stability over five cycles, although the performance gradually decreased, indicating its potential for long-term applications in water treatment. The inhibitory properties of isopropyl alcohol and ethanol suggest that sulfate radicals rather than hydroxyl radicals are involved in the degradation of LVX. In addition, the functional groups of levofloxacin, including the piperazine ring, the carboxylic acid group and the fluorine substituents, were identified as potential initiation sites for oxidation.

High-performance Ag-TiO2 nanoparticle composite catalyst synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in liquid: properties, mechanism and preparation studies

Precious metal doping can effectively improves the catalytic performance of TiO2. In this study, pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) is employed to integrate preparation with doping and control composite nanoparticle products by adjusting the laser action time to synthesise Ag-TiO2 composite nanoparticles with high catalytic performance. The generation and evolution of Ag-TiO2 nanoparticles are investigated by analysing particle size, microscopic morphology, crystalline phase, and other characteristics. The generation and doped-morphology evolution of composite nanoparticles are simulated based on thermodynamics, and the optimisation of Ag-doped structure on the composite nanomaterials is investigated based on density functional theory. The effect of Ag-TiO2 structural properties on its performance is examined under different catalytic conditions to determine optimal degradation conditions. In this study, the effect of laser ablation time on the doped structure during PLAL is analysed, which is of further research significance in exploring the structural evolution law of laser and composite nanoparticles, multi-variate catalytic performance testing, reduction of photogenerated carrier complexation rate, and expansion of its spectral absorption range, thereby providing the basis for practical production.

Biodegradation of Polyurethane by Fungi Isolated from Industrial Wastewater-A Sustainable Approach to Plastic Waste Management.

Polyurethane (PU) is a type of polymer, which exists in various forms in the environment. Very few studies are available concerning the structure or enzymatic mechanism of the microbial community, which can degrade PU. Degradation of PU remains a difficult problem with respect to the environmental and biological disciplines. This study mainly focused on identifying the micro-organisms able to degrade polyurethane and confirming the degradation by performing a plate assay, Sturm test and scanning electron microscopy. Optimal culture conditions for maximum PU degradation were also analyzed through classical methods. A soil burial test was conducted by placing polyurethane films in the soil for one month, and the microbe growing on the surface of polyurethane films-with a maximum degradation of 55%-was isolated and identified as Aspergillus versicolor (ARF5). The culture medium was also optimized with different physical and chemical parameters for maximum PU degradation. The presence of CO2 as a by-product of PU biodegradation was confirmed through the Sturm test.

Serratia marcescens AB1: A rhizosphere bacterium mitigating the acetochlor stress on the soil environment

Microbial remediation, a significant research focus in bioremediation, shows promise in addressing pollution. In this study, the optimal medium for acetochlor-degrading bacteria AB1 was determined by the response surface method as 29.94 g L−1 sucrose, 10.06 g L−1 yeast extract, and 20.32 g L−1 NaCl. The single-factor method identified optimum degradation conditions, including a temperature of 30 °C, pH of 7.0, inoculation with 3% AB1, and an initial acetochlor concentration of 10 mg L−1. The strain reached a maximum degradation rate of 79.87% within 5 days. AB1 performed nitrogen fixation, phosphorus dissolution, potassium hydrolysis, siderophore production, and biofilm formation. In the presence of acetochlor, it also induced the upregulation of genes, wza and luxS. Utilizing a green fluorescent protein and rifampicin-resistant strain LAB1-gfp, it demonstrated stable colonization in maize rhizospheres and soils, enhancing growth and degradation. This reduced the acetochlor half-life to 12.77 days and increased soil enzyme activity, providing a theoretical foundation for acetochlor bioremediation.

Optimization of non-thermal plasma process to remove methyl blue towards application in wastewater treatment

This study was carried out to optimize the treatment process of methyl blue (MB) in aqueous solution using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma and experiments were designed by using response surface methodology and central composite design (RSM-CCD). Four independent factors such as plasma power, liquid flow rate, air flow rate, and exposure time were investigated. According to the analyzed results of RSM, the experimental data is best fitted with a model of the quadratic polynomial with regression coefficient values of more than 0.9 for all responses. At optimal degradation conditions, the plasma power, liquid flow rate, air flow rate, and exposure time were 100 W, 1.5 lpm, 6 lpm, and 108.8 minutes respectively and the concentration of methyl blue was reduced to 95.8% with a concentration of 1.06 ppm. The degradation of methyl blue followed kinetic reaction rate was r = 1.6 10-3[MB]2.2.

Photocatalytic treatment of organic dyes using metal oxides and nanocomposites: A quantitative study

Abstract This comprehensive and quantitative research offers a thorough analysis of how metal oxides and nanocomposites are used in the photocatalytic treatment of organic dyes. It explores the challenges and opportunities of employing photocatalytic conversion technologies, discussing the optimal conditions for efficient degradation. The mechanisms of photocatalytic degradation are elucidated, highlighting the steps involved in transforming organic dyes into harmless by-products. Additionally, the article examines the factors that enhance the overall efficiency of photocatalytic conversion and compares its cost-effectiveness to other treatment methods. Various photocatalysts, with a focus on metal oxides and nanocomposites, are analyzed in terms of their advantages and limitations in degrading organic dyes. This article serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking sustainable and economical wastewater treatment solutions through efficient and eco-friendly photocatalytic approaches.

Synergistic photocatalytic removal of moxifloxacin from aqueous solutions using ZnO-Fe3O4-chitosan composites

The escalating contamination of water bodies with antibiotic residues is an urgent environmental and public health issue. This study aimed to fabricate an innovative photocatalytic composite (CMZ) by combining chitosan, magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4), and zinc oxide (ZnO) for efficiently removing antibiotic moxifloxacin (MFX) water. Comprehensive characterization of the fabricated CMZ was performed using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm analysis. The synergistic incorporation of ZnO, Fe3O4, and chitosan in the CMZ composite altered the structural properties of ZnO and chitosan The band gap energy of CMZ was 2.58 eV, significantly boosting its photocatalytic effectiveness under visible light exposure. The CMZ composites exhibited a high efficiency in catalyzing MFX degradation in aqueous environments. The optimal conditions for MFX degradation were established, including a neutral pH level of 7, a 90 min exposure to irradiation, and employing 0.1 g of the CMZ catalyst. The degradation process obeyed closely to the first-order kinetic model. The CMZ material showed consistently high performance in degrading MFX across four consecutive reuse cycles, emphasizing its practical applicability for mitigating antibiotic pollution.

Synthesis of CuO, ZnO nanoparticles, and CuO-ZnO nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B: a comparative study

Water pollution, arising from the presence of toxic dyes and chemicals, is a global challenge, urging the need for eco-friendly solutions in water decontamination. This study focused on the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and a bimetallic CuO-ZnO nanocomposite (CZ NC) through an environmentally friendly method employing Tragia involucrata L. leaf extract. Comprehensive analysis of structural and optical properties involved using various analytical techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, XPS, UV-DRS, PL, FE-SEM, EDAX, TEM, SAED, zeta potential, TGA, and BET. In comparison to pristine CuO and ZnO NPs, the CZ-NC demonstrated notably enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of Rhodamine B dye (RhB). The optimum conditions for RhB degradation were found to be a pH of 9 and a catalyst dosage of 1 mg/mL for a concentration of 10 ppm. Under these conditions, CuO NPs, ZnO NPs, and CZ-NC demonstrated high efficiencies of 78%, 83%, and 96.1% respectively over 105 min. Through LC-HRMS, the identification of degradation products offered valuable insights into the pathway of photocatalytic degradation. Furthermore, toxicity analysis of intermediates, conducted through ECOSAR software, indicated the formation of non-toxic by-products (ChV/LC50/EC50 > 100) after the completion of the reaction. Furthermore, the recycled catalysts exhibited sustained stability for up to 4 cycles, with only a minor decrease in activity of up to 6.8%. This confirms their catalytic efficacy in purifying polluted water. This research significantly contributes to the progress of environmentally friendly nanocomposites, enhancing their efficacy in the realm of environmental remediation.

Comparative Kinetic Analysis of Triclosan Degradation under UV-C and Simulated Solar Irradiation

This research delves deeply into the intricate degradation kinetics of triclosan, employing two distinct methodologies: UV and simulated solar irradiation. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis, the study endeavors to elucidate the efficacy of these techniques, aiming to shed light on their respective methodological strengths and limitations. The study compares the efficacy of UV and simulated solar irradiation techniques for triclosan degradation, revealing that both methods exhibit effectiveness in degrading triclosan, with variations observed in degradation rates and byproduct formation. Through a detailed examination of the kinetics of triclosan degradation, the study reveals the intricate pathways and mechanisms involved in the photodegradation process. Results highlight the influence of irradiance levels and residence times on degradation efficiency. The research identifies optimal conditions for triclosan degradation, emphasizing the importance of residence time and irradiance levels. Results show that a residence time of 4 h and an irradiance level of 450 W m−2 maximize degradation efficiency. Analysis of degradation byproducts provides insights into the transformation pathways of triclosan under UV and simulated solar irradiation, indicating the formation of 2,4-dichlorophenol, quinone, and hydroquinone as primary byproducts.

Isolation, identification and whole-genome analysis of an Achromobacter strain with a novel sulfamethazine resistance gene and sulfamethazine degradation gene cluster

A sulfamethazine (SM2) degrading strain, Achromobacter mucicolens JD417, was isolated from sulfonamide-contaminated sludge using gradient acclimation. Optimal SM2 degradation conditions were pH 7, 36 °C, and 5 % inoculum, achieving a theoretical maximum degradation rate of 48 % at 50 ppm SM2. Cell growth followed the Haldane equation across different SM2 concentrations. Whole-genome sequencing of the strain revealed novel functional annotations, including a sulfonamide resistance gene (sul4) encoding dihydropteroate synthase, two flavin-dependent monooxygenase genes (sadA and sadB) crucial for SM2 degradation, and unique genomic islands related to metabolism, pathogenicity, and resistance. Comparative genomics analysis showed good collinearity and homology with other Achromobacter species exhibiting organics resistance or degradation capabilities. This study reveals the novel molecular resistance and degradation mechanisms and genetic evolution of an SM2-degrading strain, providing insights into the bioremediation of sulfonamide-contaminated environments.

Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton-like Degradation of Oxytetracycline Containing Wastewater

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a commonly used antibiotic. It can be absorbed to a limited extent by both humans and animals, so it can be detected at various levels in different water sources. Its presence in rivers or water and wastewater streams can pose serious problems for human and environmental health, and therefore, it needs to be treated. OTC degradation was studied using iron-doped g-C3N4 through a photo-Fenton-like oxidation process under simulated sunlight. In this study, the effects of key reaction parameters such as pH (3, 6, 9), catalyst amount (0-0.8 g/L), initial hydrogen peroxide concentration (HP, 0-20 mM) on the degradation of oxytetracycline were studied. The optimal reaction conditions for OTC degradation were found to be pH=6, catalyst amount of 0.4 g/L, and HP of 10 mM. Subsequently, the temperature effect was examined at the optimum reaction conditions. Based on the results, at 25, 35, and 45 °C, OTC degradation was found to be 51.1%, 60.8%, and 76.7%, respectively. The kinetic study conducted revealed that the observed reaction follows a second-order reaction kinetic model. In addition, the activation energy of observed reaction was found to be 86.96 kJ/mol.

Elucidating the mechanisms of AV17 and BB41 dye degradation through combined computational and applied analyses

This study delved into the degradation efficiencies of Basic Blue 41 (BB41) and Acid Violet 17 (AV17) azo dyes employing various Fenton reactions, including Fenton (FP), photo-Fenton (P-FP), sono-Fenton (S-FP), and sono-photo-Fenton (S-P-FP) processes. The primary goal was to pinpoint the optimal degradation conditions by meticulously examining variables such as H2O2 and Fe2+ concentrations, reaction time, pH, and dye concentration. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed the interaction between Fenton reagents and dye molecules, and crucial quantum chemical parameters reflecting the dye's reactivity were computed. The degradation efficiencies for AV17 in FP, P-FP, S-FP, and S-P-FP processes stood at 85 %, 92.6 %, 93.8 %, and 86.9 %, respectively. Meanwhile, for BB41, the corresponding efficiencies were 97.2 %, 98.1 %, 97.8 %, and 97.5 %. Notably, DFT-calculated data corroborated experimental observations, shedding light on the degradation mechanism. This study significantly advances existing research by demonstrating the efficacy and reliability of Fenton-like processes in degrading AV17 and BB41 dyes. The findings underscore the potential of these processes in addressing environmental concerns associated with azo dyes.

Design of solar-light-driven agglomerated cluster-like transition/rare-earth metal oxide-supported carbon-based nanomaterial for the degradation of azo dye

Transition and rare-earth metal oxide-supported nanomaterials have ignited an attraction in many fields such as energy, environment and etc. In this work, transition/rare-earth metal oxide-supported carbon-based nanomaterials (TRM) were prepared by hydrothermal method and it was characterized by UV-DRS, FTIR, XRD, AFM, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, and EDAX techniques. Doping levels of transition/rare-earth metal oxides on the carbon-based material impacts the photocatalytic degradation efficiency. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) of the prepared TRM was examined, and the highest degradation percentage was observed compared to other reported catalysts. TRM 2 exhibits the maximum degradation percentages of azo dye under sunlight (99.8 %) irradiation. The optimization studies were conducted, such as the effect of pH, catalyst dosage, and concentration. The optimum condition for photocatalytic degradation was pH - 6.51, TRM dosage - 10 mg, and dye concentration - 5 ppm. The kinetic studies were conducted for the various concentrations (5–20 ppm), and the rate of reaction was determined; it clearly illustrated that the reaction follows a pseudo-first-order kinetics. The enhanced PCA in the TRM 2 was due to the combination of transition/rare-earth metal oxides on the carbon-based material. This transition/rare-earth metal oxide-supported carbon-based nanomaterials (TRM) is practically helpful in degrading environmental pollutants in real-time wastewater under sunlight irradiation.

Enrichment, domestication, degradation, adaptive mechanism, and nicosulfuron bioremediation of bacteria consortium YM21

Nicosulfuron (NSR), a sulfonylurea herbicide, can easily enter water bodies, affecting aquatic life and human safety. Here, bacteria consortium YM2 was enriched and domesticated from the active sludge of a pesticide plant for the bioremediation of NSR wastewater. The response surface methodology data revealed that under optimal incubation conditions: 9.41 g L–1 maltodextrin, 21.37 g L–1 yeast extract, and 12.45 g L–1 NaCl, YM2 bacteria consortium degraded 97.49% of NSR within 4 d. The optimal degradation conditions were temperature 30°C, pH 6.0, inoculum 1%, and initial NSR concentration 20 mg L–1), The degradation system was tolerant to heavy metal ions such as Cd2+, Pb2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ and mainly occurred through the bacterial extracellular enzymes (92.17%). Mechanistically, during the degradation process, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, cell membrane permeability, cell surface hydrophobicity, and apoptosis rate first increased and then decreased. Also, the expression of biofilm formation-related genes luxS, waaE, spo0A, and wza varied with time and concentration. NSR wastewater and soil were degraded to 1.92 mg L–1 and 2.72 mg L–1, respectively. In a simulated wastewater treatment unit (hydraulic retention time 12 h), YM2 degraded 84.55% of NSR after 10 d. This study provides a theoretical basis for the microbial remediation of NSR.

Multitasking needle-shaped copper oxide nanorods decorated cystine modified polymer/graphene oxide nanocomposite for 4-nitrophenol reduction, dye degradation, and textile effluent treatment

Nitroaromatic chemicals, including 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and dyes, pose substantial risks to human health and the environment. Various catalysts that facilitate the reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) have been documented to reduce its toxicity. Herein, we developed a novel nanocomposite consisting of needle-like copper oxide nanorods immobilized with L-cystine functionalized polyglycidyl methacrylate integrated graphene oxide (Cys-PGMA@GO-CuO) nanocomposite. The formation of this nanocomposite was comprehensively characterized using various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction revealed a semi-crystalline nature for pure PGMA/GO with a prominent peak at 2θ = 19.25°. The introduction of inherently crystalline CuO nanoparticles in Cys-PGMA@GO-CuO rendered the entire composite completely crystalline. Further, the photocatalytic efficiency of the Cys-PGMA@GO-CuO nanocomposite was evaluated through advanced oxidation processes (AOP) for treating various toxic pollutants in wastewater remediation. The nanocomposite efficiently degraded dyes like methyl orange (99.8%) and methylene blue (99.9%) in just 50 mins and reduced toxic 4-NP to 4-AP within 40 mins. We further investigated the optimal degradation conditions based on [oxidant], [dye], and the presence of scavengers to understand the rate of degradation. Notably, the composite exhibited remarkable recyclability and stability. The performance of Cys-PGMA@GO-CuO was further evaluated using real wastewater samples, achieving a remarkable decolorization of 99.5% in textile dyeing wastewater and 97.1% in methylene blue-contaminated tap water. These results demonstrate the promising potential of this nanocomposite as an economically viable alternative approach for removing various organic pollutants from wastewater. Additionally, its successful application in real water sample analysis suggests its significant potential for practical implementation in water treatment processes.

Recycled gold-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet

In this study, gold-reduced graphene oxide (Au@rGO) nanocomposite has been synthesized by repurposing electronic waste and dry batteries. This innovative approach involved utilizing the graphite rod from dry batteries to produce reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which was subsequently modified through the incorporation of gold nanoparticles obtained from recycled electronic waste. This methodology marks a significant breakthrough in electronic waste recycling, presenting a cost-effective and sustainable means of creating novel nanocomposites for applications in photocatalysis and adsorption, particularly in the removal of crystal violet (CV) from aqueous media. The synthesized Au@rGO nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersed X-ray, and N2 adsorption/desorption. Parameters that affect the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of CV dye have been studied in detail. The optimal conditions for CV adsorption and photocatalytic degradation were pH of 10, equilibrium time of 30 min, CV concentration of 10 mg/L and adsorbent dosage of 40 mg. Furthermore, the isotherm and kinetics of CV removal were also studied. The removal of CV dye using adsorption and photocatalytic degradation techniques reached 95% and 99%, respectively. Consequently, the results showed that photocatalytic degradation of CV dye onto the mesoporous Au@rGO nanocomposite is more proper way than the adsorption technique for removing the CV dye from aqueous media. The designed photocatalyst has high efficiency and it can be reused and activated several times so it can be used in real water treatment applications.

Attapulgite-supported sulfidated nano Zero-Valent Iron activated persulfate advanced oxidation technology for degradation of polyethylene microplastics: Optimal design, change of particle size and degradation mechanisms

Microplastics (MPs), as a novel pollutant, have raised concerns about their potentialtoxicity and the wide-ranging ecological risks they may pose. In this study, a novel attapulgate-supported sulfidized nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI@ATP) catalyst was prepared for the activation of persulfate. We investigated the degradation efficiency and mechanism of polyethylene microplastics (PE) using the S-nZVI@ATP activated persulfate advanced oxidation process. Various factors, such as temperature,pH, catalyst dosage, and persulfate concentration, were evaluated for their influence on the oxidative reaction in the system to determine the optimal degradation conditions. The average particle size of PE decreased from 64.2±0.86μm to 28.1±0.91μm after 24 hours of oxidative degradation. The reaction progressed, TOC in the solution showed an initial increase, followed by a decrease. Some PE was oxidized into small molecules substances such as alkanes, alkenes, ketones, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. S-nZVI@ATP continuously supplied Fe2+ for persulfate activation, generating strong oxidants SO4•-, •OH, and 1O2, among which SO4•- played a dominant role in oxidation system. The heterogeneous advanced oxidation system provided in this study offers an effective reference for PE degradation and holds great promise as a method for degrading MPs in water.

Broad Spectral Response FeOOH/BiO2-x Photocatalyst with Efficient Charge Transfer for Enhanced Photo-Fenton Synergistic Catalytic Activity.

In this work, to promote the separation of photogenerated carriers, prevent the catalyst from photo-corrosion, and improve the photo-Fenton synergistic degradation of organic pollutants, the coating structure of FeOOH/BiO2-x rich in oxygen vacancies was successfully synthesized by a facile and environmentally friendly two-step process of hydrothermal and chemical deposition. Through a series of degradation activity tests of synthesized materials under different conditions, it was found that FeOOH/BiO2-x demonstrated outstanding organic pollutant degradation activity under visible and near-infrared light when hydrogen peroxide was added. After 90 min of reaction under photo-Fenton conditions, the degradation rate of Methylene Blue by FeOOH/BiO2-x was 87.4%, significantly higher than the degradation efficiency under photocatalysis (60.3%) and Fenton (49.0%) conditions. The apparent rate constants of FeOOH/BiO2-x under photo-Fenton conditions were 2.33 times and 3.32 times higher than photocatalysis and Fenton catalysis, respectively. The amorphous FeOOH was tightly coated on the layered BiO2-x, which significantly increased the specific surface area and the number of active sites of the composites, and facilitated the improvement of the separation efficiency of the photogenerated carriers and the prevention of photo-corrosion of BiO2-x. The analysis of the mechanism of photo-Fenton synergistic degradation clarified that ·OH, h+, and ·O2- are the main active substances involved in the degradation of pollutants. The optimal degradation conditions were the addition of the FeOOH/BiO2-x composite catalyst loaded with 20% Fe at a concentration of 0.5 g/L, the addition of hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 8 mM, and an initial pH of 4. This outstanding catalytic system offers a fresh approach to the creation and processing of iron-based photo-Fenton catalysts by quickly and efficiently degrading various organic contaminants.

Response surface methodology for low-energy consumption electro-Fenton process for xanthene dye electrochemical degradation

AbstractErythrosine B (EB) is a dye widely used in the food and textile industries. Despite many studies that have been proposed in the literature about the electrochemical oxidation of dyes, few studies considered such recalcitrant xanthene compound, although it has been recognized as a threat to health and the environment. Then, this study investigates the oxidation of EB by a homogeneous electro-Fenton process using iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate as a catalyst, carbon felt cathode, and Ti/RuO2 anode. The treated synthetic wastewater contains 100 mg L−1 of EB and has a pH = 3. The effects of three independent variables have been considered for process optimization, such as applied current intensity (0.1–0.5 A), iron concentration (1–10 mM), and stirring rate (100–1000 rpm). Their interactions were investigated considering response surface methodology (RSM) based on Doehlert design as optimization method. EB removal efficiency and energy consumption were considered as model responses after 30 min of electrolysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the quadratic model was adequately fitted to the experimental data with R2 (0.9819), adj-R2 (0.9276), and low Fisher probability (< 0.0181) for the EB removal model, and R2 (0.9968), adj-R2 (0.9872) and low Fisher probability (< 0.0014) relative to the energy consumption model, suggesting a robust statistical significance. The energy consumption model significantly depends on current density, as expected. The foregoing results obtained by RSM led to the following optimal conditions for EB degradation: current intensity of 0.2 A, iron concentration of 9.397 mM, and stirring rate of 500 rpm, which gave a maximum decolorization rate of 98.15% with a minimum energy consumption of 0.74 kWh m−3 after 30 min of electrolysis. The competitiveness of the electro-Fenton process has been confirmed by the literature analysis proposed as well as by the preliminary economic analysis proposed in the second section of the study. Graphical abstract