Catalytic degradation of Triclosan by using xenon light/GO @ TiO2 combination system: optimization of initial parameters

Triclosan is one of the substances as anti-microbial that is used in many of these pharmaceutical products. This compound can affect human such as reduction of thyroid hormone levels, antibiotic resistant, and increasing skin cancer. This study evaluated the performance nanophotocatalysis process UV/Xe/TiO2-GO on triclosan removal from aqueous solutions.
Synthesis of TiO2@GO and its structure was analyzed by SEM, EDX and FTIR. The effects of pollutant concentration, catalyst dosage, and contact time on the removal of Triclosan were studied by DOE software according to response surface methodology. Analysis of variance test was considered for the influence of parameters. Optimum process condition was determined by desirability factor.
Optimum conditions regarding concentration of pollutant, contact time, and catalyst dosage were determined as 0.205 g/L, 14.898 min, and 0.487 mg/L, respectively. Maximum removal efficiency in optimum condition was 97.542 percent. The catalyst dosage was the most effective parameter in removal of Triclosan.
Using of TiO2@GO and xenon lamp had acceptable efficiency for the removal of Triclosan. The use of Xenon lamps alone was economically affordable.