Photocatalytic Degradation of Naphthalene by UV/ZnO: Kinetics, Influencing Factors and Mechanisms

Conventional wastewater treatment is not able to effectively remove Aromatic hydrocarbons such as Naphthalene, so it is important to remove the remaining antibiotics from the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of UV/ZnO photocatalytic process in removing naphthalene antibiotics from aqueous solutions. This was an experimental-applied study that was performed in a batch system on a laboratory scale. The variables studied in this study include the initial pH of the solution, the dose of ZnO, reaction time and initial concentration of Naphthalene were examined. The amount of naphthalene in the samples was measured using GC.The results showed that by decreasing the pH and decreasing the initial concentration of naphthalene and increasing the contact time, the efficiency of the process was developed. However, an increase in the dose of nanoparticles to 0.8 g/L had enhance the efficiency of the process was enhanced, while increasing its amount to values higher than 0.8 g/L has been associated with a decrease in removal efficiency. The results of this study showed that the use of UV/ZnO photocatalytic process can be addressed as a well-organized method to remove naphthalene from aqueous solutions.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the efficiency of the UV/ZnO photocatalytic process in removing naphthalene antibiotics from aqueous solutions through experimental application. The results showed that decreasing pH, reducing the initial concentration of naphthalene, increasing contact time, and moderately increasing the dose of nanoparticles can enhance the removal efficiency.