Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol A from Aqueous Solutions using TiO2 Nanoparticles and UV Illumination

• Main Authors: Ramzan ali Dianati, Mohammad Ali Zazouli, Jamshid Yazdani-Charati, Sara Ashrafi, Ehsan Rostamali
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences 2014-12-01
• Series: علوم بهداشتی ایران
• Subjects: Photocatalytic degradation; Bisphenol A; Low power UV lamp
• Online Access: http://jhs.mazums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-430-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1

Background and Purpose: Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make certain plastics and epoxy resins. It is a non-biodegradable compound, and poses health risks to both humans and animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate decomposition efficiency of BPA from aqueous solutions using UV irradiation. Materials and Methods: In this study, the photodegradation of BPA in water were carried out in a reactor equipped 6 W UV lamp. In order to obtain the optimum operational conditions, parameters such as BPA concentration (1-50 mg/l), TiO2 dosage (0.025-2 g/l), and pH (3-11) were evaluated. BPA concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The highest degradation was 90% and achieved in 60 min. BPA degradation efficiency can be effectively improved by increasing pH, decreasing the initial concentration and increasing TiO2 dosage. The optimal dose of TiO2 was measured at 0.5 g/l. The degradation decreases with increasing TiO2 dosage. Conclusion: Photocatalytic degradation by using TiO2 and low power UV lamp is applicable.