Using TiO2–Ag–GO nanocomposite for the degradation of soluble microbial products in wastewater effluent

Abstract

Recalcitrant organic compounds such as soluble microbial products are usually present in the effluent after secondary treatment due to its highly stable molecular structure. The impacts of these soluble microbial products towards the marine lifeform might be a concern. Henceforth, advanced oxidation processes are widely used to degrade recalcitrant organic compounds due to their strong oxidizing power. In this research, advanced oxidation process was used to treat the soluble microbial products. P25 – Ag – GO nanocomposite will be the photocatalyst under the presence of the solar light irradiation on model compound methylene blue to determine if the nanocomposite fare better as compared to industry P25 (Degussa). Surface morphology and the optical property of the P25 – Ag – GO was also studied in this research. The results showed that the P25 – Ag – GO synthesized could perform better degradation efficiency as compared to P25 on the model compound methylene blue. A 100% degradation was achieved onto methylene blue after 90 minutes of irradiation. P25 – Ag – GO had the capability of degrading 2,6 Di-tert-butylphenol as by-products were formed under 4 hours of irradiation.