Evaluation of microcystin-LR photocatalytic degradation in aqueous solutions by BiVO₄/NaY-Zeolite nanocomposite: determination of optimum conditions by response surface methodology (RSM)

Abstract

Microcystin leucine-arginine (MC-LR), is a hepatotoxic agent produced by cyanobacteria, capable of posing a serious threat to the human and ecological environment. In this study, bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄)/NaY-Zeolite nanocomposite was intended for degradation of MC-LR in aquatic solutions. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the operating variables affecting MC-LR removal. The results showed that the maximum removal efficiency (RE) of MC-LR was 96.26%, which achieved in the optimal conditions of pH = 7, contact time of 135 min, and catalyst dose of 0.75 g/L. The findings of this study indicate that BiVO₄/NaY-Zeolite could be a promising catalyst for MC-LR degradation.

Keywords:

• Microcystin-LR
• BiVO₄/NaY-Zeolite
• photocatalytic degradation
• visible light
• RSM

Acknowledgments

This study is a part of a Ph.D. approved research thesis (No. 395847 and Code of ethics. R.MUI.REC.1395.3.847) performed at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The authors are thankful for the funding provided by the Department of Environmental Health Engineering and Environment Research Center.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Department of Environmental Health Engineering and Environment Research Center and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.