OPTIMIZATION OF PHOTOCATALYTIC PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR THE DEGRADATION OF 2,4,6-TRICHLOROPHENOL IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

In the present study, the photocatalytic degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) was carried out in a batch reactor under UV light in aqueous solution for 5 h using titania P-25 (surface area 50 m²/g) as a photocatalyst and sodium hypochlorite as an oxidant. Variables studied include catalyst dose (0.25-1.25 g/L), pH (2-6), and concentration of the oxidant (3.06 × 10^-6M-15.3 × 10^-6M). The rate of degradation was studied in terms of changes in concentration of the pollutant and reduction in chemical oxygen demand. The optimal values of operational parameters leading to 2,4,6-TCP abatement were obtained by using response surface methodology. The percent degradation and COD reduction of 2,4,6-TCP was found to increase with increases in the catalyst dose up to the dose of 1.1 g/L, pH in the range of 4-4.5, and oxidant concentration of 9.95 × 10^-6M.