Degradation of Acid Blue 113 Using Combined Photocatalysis and Biological Processes: a Novel Method, Economic Choice and Enhanced Removal of Aromatic Compounds Before Discharging to Rivers

The nano-photocatalytic process using nano-structured semiconductors is one of the techniques used for the destructive oxidation of organic compounds such as dyes. Among the treatment processes, the most economical and practical choice is based on biological methods for wastewater containing dyes that will happen via bio-transformation of dyes with microorganisms. The presence of non-biodegradable and toxic compounds such as dyes has been faced with limitation.

In this study, decolorization and mineralization of AB113 were investigated using combined TiO₂/UV-SBR systems.

According to the results, dye concentration in the effluent of photocatalytic reactor (75ppm) was selected via efficiency of dye removal, BOD₅/COD (0.28) ratio and energy consumption at alkali media. Furthermore, 3 hours after applying the samples to the photocatalytic reactor, more than 80 percent of the dye was removed and the rest was decolorized approximately after passing bioreactor.

Investigation of optimum condition was also led to enhance degradation of aromatic compounds before discharging to the rivers.