Advanced oxidation processes using semiconducting photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants are a promising approach for the remediation of pesticide-contaminated wastewater. High photodegradation efficiency and stability of the photocatalyst are of key importance for practical application of the semiconductor. In this study, mesoporous TiO/ZrO nanopowders were synthesized via two techniques; evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) and sol-gel using triblock copolymers Pluronic P123 and F127. The photodegradation activities of the composites were determined by employing the herbicide chloridazon as a model compound. Due to well-developed mesoporosity, the TiO/ZrO nanocomposite synthesized by EISA displays high surface area and small crystallite sizes leading to higher photocatalytic activity than pristine TiO prepared under similar condition and commercial Degussa P25 nanopowder. The optimum amount of zirconium required for the highest activities was identified and found to be 0.14 and 0.05 mol% for the EISA and sol-gel-prepared samples, respectively. Systematic studies of the post-thermal treatment step for both samples show that Zr inhibits an anatase-to-rutile phase transition only up to 600 °C, at higher temperature phase separation occurs. Samples synthesized by EISA method showed enhanced degradation activity than sol-gel-synthesized samples.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-1023-xDOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

herbicide chloridazon
8
synthesized eisa
8
photocatalytic degradation
4
degradation herbicide
4
chloridazon mesoporous
4
mesoporous titania/zirconia
4
titania/zirconia nanopowders
4
nanopowders advanced
4
advanced oxidation
4
oxidation processes
4

Similar Publications

Pesticide contamination patterns in Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) chicks.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int

September 2024

UMR 7372, Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université & CNRS, Villiers en Bois, 79360, France.

Article Synopsis
  • A study on Montagu's harrier chicks in southwestern France revealed widespread contamination by multiple pesticides, particularly herbicides, in their blood samples.
  • All chicks tested had at least one herbicide, with many showing multiple pesticide compounds, including banned substances.
  • The findings highlight the importance of using these chicks as indicators for monitoring agricultural pesticide use and underscore the need for further research on how they are exposed to these chemicals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Soil and unsaturated zone as a long-term source for pesticide metabolites in groundwater.

Water Res

September 2024

Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN), University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Electronic address:

Pesticide metabolites are frequently detected in groundwater, often exceeding the concentrations of their parent pesticides. Ceasing the application of certain pesticides has often not led to the expected decrease in metabolite concentrations in groundwater, which is potentially caused by residues in soil. Whereas pesticide residues in soils are well-documented, there are only few studies about metabolite residues.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The availability of suitable electron donors and acceptors limits micropollutant natural attenuation in oligotrophic groundwater. This study investigated how electron donors with different biodegradability (humics, dextran, acetate, and ammonium), and different oxygen concentrations affect the biodegradation of 15 micropollutants (initial concentration of each micropollutant = 50 μg/L) in simulated nitrate reducing aquifers. Tests mimicking nitrate reducing field conditions showed no micropollutant biodegradation, even with electron donor amendment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Chloridazon (CLZ) is a selective herbicide used in the control of annual broadleaf weeds. The misuse or abuse of CLZ may result in the accumulation of CLZ in crops and water, which can pose a risk to human health. In this study, a hapten of CLZ with three carbon spacer arms was designed and a highly sensitive and specific antibody against CLZ was prepared with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Groundwater, a major source of drinking water worldwide, is often contaminated with micropollutants. Although microbial communities in aquifers and soils have the capability to biodegrade some micropollutants, this process is limited in situ. Biostimulation with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is known to promote micropollutant biodegradation, but the role of DOC biodegradability is still poorly understood.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!