Abstract
This experiment depicts a very simple and benign chemistry involving photodegradation of model dye pollutant in wastewater. In the past 2 decades, photocatalytic degradation has become a hot topic for environmental engineers combating with aquatic pollution. In this paper, we have designed a very simple and safe laboratory experiment for undergraduate students in order to have a better understanding of decolorization and degradation processes. The decolorization and degradation of Lissamine Fast Yellow (model dye contaminant) has been confirmed by reduction in color intensity (Lambert Law or Beer Law) and chemical oxygen demand (Closed Reflux method). The dye solution completely decolorizes in 180 min of irradiation time while complete degradation has been found in 8 h of irradiation time. Students develop in-depth understanding of the degradation process by analyzing effects of various process variables on the pseudo-first-order rate constant for degradation of dye. Complete decolorization of dye takes place in 3 h while reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) approaches zero in 8 h of irradiation time in the presence of ZnO. This experiment can be performed in two lab sessions of 4 h. This paper explains the contribution of chemistry in solving environmental problems relating to water contamination.
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Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the support and laboratory facilities provided by Dr. U. C. Maiwal, Head of Chemistry Department, and Dr. U. Srivastava, Principal, Govt. Madhav Science College, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) India.
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Pare, B., Singh, P. (2009). Reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand and Color Intensity of Dye-Contaminated Wastewaster Using Visible Irradiation and ZnO-Assisted Advanced Oxidation Process: A Green Laboratory Experiment for Wastewater Treatment. In: Gupta-Bhowon, M., Jhaumeer-Laulloo, S., Li Kam Wah, H., Ramasami, P. (eds) Chemistry Education in the ICT Age. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9732-4_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9732-4_21
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