Synthesis, characteristics, and photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles stabilized on the stone surface for degradation of metronidazole from aqueous solution
Journal Title: Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal - Year 2021, Vol 8, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: The presence of antibiotics such as metronidazole in wastewater even at low concentrations requires searching for a suitable process such as advanced oxidation process (AOP) to reduce the level of pollutants to a standard level in water. Methods: In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal method using zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) as a precursor, then, stabilized on stone and was used as a catalyst, in order to degrade metronidazole by photocalytic process. Effective factors on the removal efficiency of metronidazole including the initial metronidazole concentration, contact time, pH, and 0.9 gL-1 ZnO stabilized on the stone surface were investigated. Results: The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the synthesized nanomaterials have hexagonal Wurtzite structure. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the average crystalline size of the synthesized ZnO particles was in the range of 1.9-3.2 nm. The spectra represented a sharp absorption edge at 390 nm for ZnO nanoparticles corresponding to band gap of 3.168 eV. The BET-BJH specific surface area of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was 25.504 m2/g. The EDS spectrum of ZnO nanoparticles showed four peaks, which were identified as Zn and O. The maximum removal efficiency was 98.36% for the synthetic solution under a specific condition (pH = 11, reaction time = 90 minutes, ZnO concentration = 0.9 gL-1, and the initial concentration of metronidazole = 10 mgL-1). The photocatalytic degradation was found to follow pseudo-first-order degradation kinetics. Conclusion: Therefore, the ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by thermal decomposition are suitable and effective photocatalytic materials for degradation of pharmaceutical contaminants.
Authors and Affiliations
Amir Nasser Alibeigi, Neda Javid, Majid Amiri Gharaghani, Zhila Honarmandrad, Fatemeh Parsaie
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP692843
- DOI 10.34172/EHEM.2021.08
- Views 138
- Downloads 0
Specific absorption rate of different phone brands and health students’ awareness, attitude, and performance towards mobile phone hazards
Background: This study aimed to assess the specific absorption rate (SAR) due to the exposure to the radiations from different brands of cellphones, and to compare it with guideline values. The SAR is calculated using...
Feasibility of natural wastewater treatment systems and life cycle assessment (LCA) for aquatic systems
Background: Natural wastewater treatment systems (NWTSs) in small villages are a major challenge for European water authorities. With growing social demands for environmental practices, evaluating the feasibility and e...
Investigation of heavy metals accumulation in the soil and pine trees
Background: Human activities related to workshops in the cities contribute to the release of heavy metals into the environment, which pose serious risks to the environment and to human health. The aim of the present stud...
Photocatalytic removal of Malachite green dye from aqueous solutions by nano-composites containing titanium dioxide: A systematic review
Background: Malachite green (MG) is widely used as a fungicide, Bactericide parasiticide in the aquaculture industry, as a food additive, medical disinfectant, and also, as a dye for materials such as silk, leather, pape...
The need for careful monitoring and control of medical travels during COVID-19: A letter to the editor
This article has no abstract.