Work

Photocatalytic UV / H 2 O 2 /magnetite induced degradation of bromocresol purple dye in aqueous solution: Effect of H 2 O 2 and kinetic studies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The degradation of organic dyes in wastewater is a major environmental concern worldwide because of their toxicity and carcinogenic effects. In recent years, photocatalytic processes emerged as a favorable technology for the treatment of organic pollutants. Herein, we investigated the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV)/hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )/magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 )—induced degradation process to degrade bromocresol purple dye in water. Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were prepared via co‐precipitation and characterized using various analytical techniques. Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles exhibited UV absorption at 438 nm with direct and indirect band gaps of 1.89 and 0.45 eV, respectively. Energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy confirms iron (~0.7, 6.5, 7 keV) and oxygen (~0.5 keV). Thermal gravimetric analysis indicates thermal stability of up to 850°C with ~2.31% weight loss. The impact of operating parameters such as pH, reaction time, photocatalyst, and H 2 O 2 quantity on photodegradation efficiency was investigated. The highest percentage degradation efficiency of each parameter on dye degradation was determined as follows: pH (73.03%), reaction time (39.63%), catalyst amount (32.77%), and H 2 O 2 volume (37.33%). Kinetic studies showed the photocatalytic degradation of bromocresol purple dye by Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics with a rate constant (k) of 1.4 × 10 −3 min −1 . The proposed photocatalytic mechanism involving excitation of dye molecules, electron injection into Fe 3 O 4 conduction band, and subsequent generation of reactive species highlights a strong potential of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles as efficient photocatalyst for removing bromocresol purple dye from water. The results of this study contribute to the development of effective photocatalytic systems for the remediation of dye‐contaminated wastewater.

Source: Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy

DOI: 10.1002/ep.70355

Authors: Noluvuyo Mngcutsha, Mike O. Ojemaye, Ntobeko C. Manene, Omobola O. Okoh

Institutions: University of Fort Hare, Saginaw Valley State University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced oxidation water treatment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: South African Medical Research Council, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa, Medical Research Council