Simultaneous decontamination of hexavalent chromium and methyl tert-butyl ether by UV/TiO2 process.
Hexavalent chromium and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) are two important environmental pollutants. Simultaneous decontamination of Cr(VI) and MTBE was studied by UV/TiO2 process. The influences of pH and the concentrations of pollutants on the kinetics of the photocatalytic reactions were evaluated. Dark adsorption tests showed that the acidic pH favored the adsorption of Cr(VI) while neutral pH favored the adsorption of MTBE. Under UV irradiation, Cr(VI) reduction was observed in Cr(VI)/TiO2 system, and MTBE oxidation was observed in MTBE/TiO2 system. The system containing Cr(VI) and MTBE by UV/TiO2 process demonstrated the synergistic effect between oxidation of MTBE and reduction of Cr(VI). The results demonstrated that two pollutants Cr(VI) and MTBE could be eliminated simultaneously by UV/TiO2 process. tert-Butyl formate, tert-butyl alcohol and acetone were identified as primary degradation products of MTBE by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the degradation of MTBE by UV/TiO2 process.
Xu
Xiang-Rong
XR
Department of Ecology and Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, PR China. xuxr@hkucc.hku.hk
Li
Hua-Bin
HB
Gu
Ji-Dong
JD
D000327:Adsorption; D002384:Catalysis; D002857:Chromium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008738:Methyl Ethers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010777:Photochemistry; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000528:radiation effects; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods
D008738:Methyl Ethers; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002857:Chromium; C009495:titanium dioxide; C074702:chromium hexavalent ion; C043243:methyl tert-butyl ether; D014025:Titanium