Electrochemical degradation of methly orange dye contaminated water
Date
2024-05
Authors
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Publisher
Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Abstract
In this study, the electrochemical degradation of Methyl orange, a representative of azo dye, wasinvestigated in contaminated water using a graphite anode and copper cathode. Several key parameters were systematically explored, including time, pH, temperature, current density, and electrolyte concentration, to optimize the degradation process. An observable trend emerged, revealing intriguing insights. Increasing current density and reaction time consistently enhanced degradation efficiency. Specifically, current densities of 0.27mA/mm² and 0.53 mA/mm² exhibited rapid degradation, reaching a plateau at approximately 87%. At higher current densities of 0.8mA/mm² and 1.33mA/mm², degradation efficiency followed a more intricate pattern, culminating in remarkable removal rates of 97.88% and 97.34%, respectively. Electrolyte selection also played a pivotal role, with 1M KCl displaying the swiftest degradation efficiency of 98% within a mere 30 minutes. Conversely, 0.05 M KCl recorded the lowest degradation efficiency. Similar trends were observed with NaCl, where 1M NaCl achieved an impressive 97.2% degradation efficiency, while 0.05 M NaCl lagged significantly at 22.8%. Moreover, degradation efficiency decreased with increasing pH, with the pH 3 conditions yielding the highest efficiency at 98%. Temperature variations mirrored this trend, as a temperature of 30 ºC attained the pinnacle degradation efficiency of 99%. UV-VIS analysis further substantiated the findings, revealing a substantial reduction in absorbance peaks for Methyl orange dye, from 2.0 to 0.2 at a wavelength of 470 nm in the visible region. This signified the elimination of the azo chromophore group, an initial constituent of the dye, during electrochemical degradation. Additionally, the appearance of intermediates underscored the complexity of the degradation process. This study has significant implications for wastewater treatment plants, offering valuable insights into the optimization of cost-effective electrochemical treatment methods. The findings unraveled the intricate interplay of key parameters, paving the way for enhanced efficiency in the removal of toxic synthetic dyes and advancing the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment strategies.
Description
This thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Environmental Management
Keywords
Decolourization, electrochemical, treatment, electrode, optimization, pollution, Department of Environmental Management
Citation
Enyia, O. D. (2024). Electrochemical degradation of methly orange dye contaminated water (Unpublished Master's Thesis). Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria