Photocatalytic Degradation of a Series of Commercial Hair Dyes Using Immobilized TiO2

Hartmann, Johanna Leigh; Banegas Nunez, Elena V.

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Photocatalytic Degradation of a Series of Commercial Hair Dyes Using Immobilized TiO2

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The TiO2-mediated photocatalytic degradation of both synthetic and natural dyes in DI and tap water were studied to compare their discoloration, kinetics, mineralization, and toxicity. The systems evaluated, however, were complex due to the unknown concentrations of the several ingredients present in the commercial products. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood approach was applied to evaluate the degradation rate constants of the solutions and the Lactuca sativa L. test was used as a method to determine the relative toxicities. Results show that DI favors the kinetics and mineralization of the solutions due to the lack of competing species such as organics, inorganics, and metallic ions present in tap water.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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