Photocatalytic Removal of Pharmaceuticals by Immobilization of TiO2 on Activated Carbon by LC-MS/MS Monitoring
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION, vol.233, no.4, 2022 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 233 Issue: 4
- Publication Date: 2022
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s11270-022-05579-9
- Journal Name: WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Artic & Antarctic Regions, BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase, Greenfile, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
- Keywords: Activated carbon, TiO2, Pharmaceuticals, Photocatalytic, Wastewater, WASTE-WATER TREATMENT, ORGANIC POLLUTANTS, SEASONAL OCCURRENCE, VISIBLE-LIGHT, DEGRADATION, IBUPROFEN, MICROPOLLUTANTS, WASTEWATERS, UV, PERFORMANCE
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), Diclofenac (DFC), Ibuprofen (IBU), and Paracetamol (PRC) are anti-inflammatory drugs commonly detected in wastewater. These micropollutants (pharmaceuticals) are not completely removed in conventional wastewater treatment plants. Therefore, alternative treatment methods are needed. In this context, the removal of three pharmaceuticals was investigated by the immobilized TiO2 method on activated carbon. Emphasis was given on the effect of pH (3-5-7 and 9) and catalyst loading (0.025-0.05-0.075-0.1 and 0.125 g/L). Tube reactor with UV lamp (254 nm) system was used in the study. Concentration of PhACs was analyzed by LCMS/MS. Characterization of AC/TiO2 composite was analyzed by XRD, Raman, and SEM. At the end of the study, the highest removal efficiencies were obtained for IBU and PRC at acidic pH while for DFC at neutral pH. It was determined that the removal efficiency increased as the dose of the catalyst increased for all three pharmaceuticals. The kinetic studies were fitted using the first order Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, obtaining a high accuracy based on R-2 value.