Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol A from Aqueous Solutions by ZnO Nanoparticles

Background and Bisphenol A is a harmful organic compound which is either used or produced in various industries. This compound is resistant to biodegradation. The aim of this study was to determine the photocatalytic degradation of Bisphenol A from aqueous solutions by ZnO nanoparticles. In this experimental study the morphology of nanoparticles was characterized using scanning electron microscope. The volume of sample was determined by Rotatable inscribed Central Composite design (CCD) method. The samples were separately placed under UV radiation in defined amount of nanoparticles and initial concentration of bisphenol A at different operating conditions. The concentrations of bisphenol A were analyzed by UV Spectrophotometer. Data was then analyzed in Minitab V.16. The degradation efficiency of bisphenol A increased when the pH, contact time and loading nanoparticles increased and the concentration of bisphenol decreased. Efficiency of ZnO was found to be better at alkaline pH than acidic conditions. UV/ZnO process was capable of removing bisphenol A to 97%. This study showed that photocatalytic degradation by ZnO nanoparticles in presence of UV is an effective method for removal of bisphenol A.