Photocatalytic Degradation of Alkyle Benzene Solfunate (LAS) from Aqueous Solution Using TiO2 Nanoparticles

The Anionic detergents are synthetic organic chemicals used in high volumes in household cleaning products. Alkyle benzene Solfunate (LAS) detergent is one of the most widely used anionic surfactants due to excellent cleaning properties. LAS can be toxic to aquatic organisms and bio-accumulated in some fish,and eventually spread through ecosystems using food chain. Thus it should be removed from wastewater before discharge direct to the environment. Photocatalyst degradation process is one the advanced technologies in removal of organic materials from water and wastewater.The aim of this study was the applicability of photodegradations of anionic detergent by use of TiO2 nanoparticles and their change in to the nontoxic materials such as H2O and CO2 in a slurry reactor. LAS solution (10mg/L) was prepared and in separated stages was exposed to UV and TiO2 and a combination of them. Also the effect of initial LAS concentration, TiO2 loading, pH and various type of UV irradiation on degradation rate were studied. Maximum degradation was obtained at acidic pH, 50 mg/l of TiO2 and 30 min irradiation time, It was also found 99.5% of LAS was degradated in optimal conditions. Kinetics analysis indicated that photocatalytic degradation rates of LAS can be approximated by pseudo-first order model. The mineralization of LAS was reported by measuring the initial and final COD of illuminated solution. Based on the results, UV/TiO2 process may be effectively applied in LAS removal in low concentration but for high concentration not recommended due to economic reasons.