Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2026)
J Environ Health Eng 2026, 14(2): 284-310 |
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Kasaee Zadegan P, Hosseini S A, Taghavi L, Jalilzadeh Yengejeh R. Process Optimization of Photocatalytic Ozonation for Enhanced Degradation of Poly Ethylene Microplastic in Aquatic Systems. , J Environ Health Eng. 2026; 14 (2) :284-310
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1166-en.html
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1166-en.html
1- PhD Candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of civil engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran ,abbas_hoseyni@iau.ac.ir
3- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Environmental Engineering, Ahv.C, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Department of civil engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran ,
3- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Environmental Engineering, Ahv.C, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract: (22 Views)
Background: Microplastics pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to their inherent persistence and recalcitrance to biodegradation. In this study, the efficacy of photocatalytic ozonation using a g-C₃N₄/NH₂-MIL-125(Ti)/TiO₂ nanocomposite was investigated for the degradation of polyethylene microplastics in aqueous media.
Materials and Methods: The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis DRS, FESEM, TEM, EDX, and BET analyses. Subsequently, its performance in the photocatalytic ozonation process was evaluated. The operational parameters, including pH, catalyst dosage, ozone concentration, reaction time, and initial pollutant concentration, were optimized using an experimental design approach and response surface methodology. In addition, reaction kinetics, the effects of inorganic ions, scavenger tests, TOC decrease, and catalyst recyclability were investigated.
Results: Characterization results indicated that the synthesized nanocomposite possessed a mesoporous structure with a specific surface area of 151.51 m² g⁻¹ and effective visible‑light absorption (Eg = 1.86 eV). Under optimal conditions (pH = 6.16, catalyst dosage = 0.44 mg/L, ozone concentration = 3.5 g/min, and reaction time = 52 min), a removal efficiency of 97.4% was achieved. The degradation process followed pseudo‑first‑order kinetics, and a significant synergistic effect between photocatalysis and ozonation was observed. Furthermore, hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen were identified as the dominant reactive species.
Conclusion: The g‑C₃N₄/NH₂‑MIL‑125(Ti)/TiO₂ nanocomposite demonstrated efficient and stable performance in the photocatalytic ozonation process and can be considered a promising catalyst for the removal of microplastics from aquatic environments.
Materials and Methods: The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis DRS, FESEM, TEM, EDX, and BET analyses. Subsequently, its performance in the photocatalytic ozonation process was evaluated. The operational parameters, including pH, catalyst dosage, ozone concentration, reaction time, and initial pollutant concentration, were optimized using an experimental design approach and response surface methodology. In addition, reaction kinetics, the effects of inorganic ions, scavenger tests, TOC decrease, and catalyst recyclability were investigated.
Results: Characterization results indicated that the synthesized nanocomposite possessed a mesoporous structure with a specific surface area of 151.51 m² g⁻¹ and effective visible‑light absorption (Eg = 1.86 eV). Under optimal conditions (pH = 6.16, catalyst dosage = 0.44 mg/L, ozone concentration = 3.5 g/min, and reaction time = 52 min), a removal efficiency of 97.4% was achieved. The degradation process followed pseudo‑first‑order kinetics, and a significant synergistic effect between photocatalysis and ozonation was observed. Furthermore, hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen were identified as the dominant reactive species.
Conclusion: The g‑C₃N₄/NH₂‑MIL‑125(Ti)/TiO₂ nanocomposite demonstrated efficient and stable performance in the photocatalytic ozonation process and can be considered a promising catalyst for the removal of microplastics from aquatic environments.
Keywords: Polyethylene microplastics, Photocatalytic ozonation process, Nanocomposite, Advanced oxidation processes, Water treatment
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/05/28 | Accepted: 2026/08/29 | Published: 2026/09/20
Received: 2026/05/28 | Accepted: 2026/08/29 | Published: 2026/09/20
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