Photolytic and photocatalytic degradation of atrazine in the presence of activated carbon

The removal of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino 1,3,5-triazine) by photolysis, photocatalysis and adsorption on jack fruit peel carbon (JPC) was investigated as separate and combined processes. Under the experimental conditions used, JPC was not capable of completely removing atrazine in reasonable time. On the other hand, degradation with UV-light (254) nm and TiO2, the intermediates and by-products were found to be toxic. The combination of JPC with 254 nm UV light and TiO2 enhanced the removal of atrazine and especially the mineralization of the organic matter. The mineralization process was followed by measuring the total organic carbon (TOC). JPC acts both as an adsorbent and a catalyst in the degradation process. The total mineralization of atrazine, through the combination of adsorption and degradation was achieved in a reasonable time, and can therefore be suggested as an efficient, cost-effective and environment friendly water treatment methodology.