Removal of aqueous Clopyralid by Photoctalytic-ozonation process on Activated carbon under solar radiation: Catalyst characterization and kinetic study

¹ Research Laboratory Process Engineering and Industrial Systems, National School of Engineers of Gabes, University of Gabes, Street Omar Ibn El Khattab, 6029 Gabes, Tunisia
² Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Química Física, Universidad de Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
³ Instituto de Universitario del Agua, Cambio Climático y Sostenibilidad (IACYS), Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. de la Investigación s/n 06071 Badajoz, Spain

^* Corresponding author: rajah.zouhour90@gmail.com

Abstract

Solar photocatalytic ozonation has been used to oxidize the herbicide clopyralid in aqueous solution. Activated carbon used as a catalyst was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images showed the presence of irregular cavities and pores, which have different sizes and shapes, with a great surface area of BETand a high pHpzc. The adsorption kinetics was found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic mode. Catalyst stability was tested by means of consecutive reuse cycles. After five cycle of reuse the adsorption efficiency reached 75% of the clopyralid removal.Clopyralid elimination kinetic by direct ozonation has been studies. The system O₃/AC/Daylight significantly improves clopyralid and mineralization rate abatement if compared to runs conducted in the absence of radiation and/ or activated carbon. Clopyralid total abatement was achieved in less than 30 min when 0.5 g/L of activated carbon and under solar radiation (300-800 nm) were used. Thus, TOC removal in 180 min treatments increased from 20 to about 90 % in O₃ and O₃/OSAC/Daylight, respectively, under similar operating conditions.