Photocatalytic activity of sea water using TiO2 catalyst under solar light

Wastewater is generally released into the rivers and streams in developing countries. Industrial wastewater usually contains highly toxic pollutants, cyanides, chlorinated compounds. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight also decomposes organic compounds by oxidation process. However, the process is less effective due to large amount of toxic effluent entering in the main stream of water. The solar radiation can effectively be applied to accelerate the process by using suitable catalyst for economically cleaning the water sources. This paper describes the photocatalytic degradation of the sea water using novel approach of photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactor module consisting of nine photoelectrochemical cells equipped with spray deposited TiO2 catalysts under solar light. The resulted water samples were studied for physicochemical and bacteriological analysis. The complete mineralization of degraded sample was confirmed by total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, COD measurement and estimation of the formation of inorganic ions such as NH4+,NO3-,Cl-andSO42-. Microbiological examinations are performed to determine the bacterial analysis. This implies that photoelectrocatalysis could be a promising way for improving water quality in developing countries with low cost and clean energy reliable resource.

► PEC degradation of sea water using spray deposited TiO2 electrodes under solar illumination.
► The samples at various intervals were studied for physicochemical and bacteriological analysis.
► Electrical conductivity, COD, BOD, Chlorophyll-a of sea water decreases considerably after 5 h.
► Nine TiO2 photocatalysts exhibit varying performances.