Photocatalytic Degradation of a Series of Direct Azo Dyes Using Immobilized TiO2

Cobb, Jesse Elton; Byberg, Rebecca Lynn

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Photocatalytic Degradation of a Series of Direct Azo Dyes Using Immobilized TiO2

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Azo dyes present in wastewater require removal due to negative environmental and health effects. This study focused on photocatalytic degradation of these dyes on a titanium dioxide substrate. Solutions of each dye in water were run through a photocatalytic reactor and analyzed using UV spectroscopy, non-purgeable organic carbon method, Nessler method, ion chromatography, and lettuce test. The degradation rate increased with the presence of sulfate groups and decreased with molecules containing additional azo groups and aromatic rings. As the degradation rate increased, the concentration of ammonia in the final solution typically decreased. All solutions had a reduced total organic content. The majority of dye solutions increased in toxicity after exposure to the reactor.

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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