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

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.

Automated summary

The study successfully degraded MC-LR in water using BiVO4/NaY-Zeolite nanocomposite, achieving a maximum removal efficiency of 96.26%. The optimal conditions after optimization were pH of 7, contact time of 135 minutes, and catalyst dose of 0.75g/L.