Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol A from Aqueous Solutions using TiO۲ Nanoparticles and UV Illumination

Background and Purpose: Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make certain plastics and epoxy resins. It is a non-biodegradable compound, and poses health risks to both humans and animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate decomposition efficiency of BPA from aqueous solutions using UV irradiation. Materials and Methods: In this study, the photodegradation of BPA in water were carried out in a reactor equipped ۶ W UV lamp. In order to obtain the optimum operational conditions, parameters such as BPA concentration (۱-۵۰ mg/l), TiO۲ dosage (۰.۰۲۵-۲ g/l), and pH (۳-۱۱) were evaluated. BPA concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The highest degradation was ۹۰% and achieved in ۶۰ min. BPA degradation efficiency can be effectively improved by increasing pH, decreasing the initial concentration and increasing TiO۲ dosage. The optimal dose of TiO۲ was measured at ۰.۵ g/l. The degradation decreases with increasing TiO۲ dosage. Conclusion: Photocatalytic degradation by using TiO۲ and low power UV lamp is applicable.