Catalytic degradation of humic acid using Fe–doped TiO₂ - ultrasound hybrid system from aqueous solution

ABSTRACT

The ability of ultrasound-catalyst hybrid system in degradation of HA, and survey the effective parameters in degradation is the objectives of the present study. The characteristics of the synthesised catalyst was investigated by SEM, XRD and UV-DRS. The performance of the system in pollutant removal was investigated using the OFAT (One Factor at a Time Method) method. The kinetics of the process, mechanism and the reusability of the catalyst were determined in optimised conditions. The results indicated that pH = 3, catalyst dosage = 400 mg/l, HA concentration = 5 mg/l have best efficiency (74%). Superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were considered as the main cause of HA degradation. Catalyst stability was investigated in 5 replicates and verified. The reduction in TOC obtained 45%. The overall results show that the ultrasound Fe–doped TiO₂ hybrid system has partial promising performance in degradation of HA.

KEYWORDS:

• Fe–doped TiO₂
• heterogeneous catalyst
• ultrasonic
• humic acid

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Zahedan University of Medical Sciences for funding this research. (Grant number: 9228, Ethics code: IR.ZAUMS.REC.1397.453).

Disclosure Statement

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