Photocatalytic degradation of organophosphate pesticides (Chlorpyrifos) using synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticle by membrane filtration reactor under UV irradiation

NanomaterialZinc oxide (ZnO) has been synthesized using Zinc Nitrate Hexahydrate as precursor by Sonochemical Method. The as-synthesized ZnO was characterized to study their optical, morphological and physical properties. Fourier Transform-Infra Red Spectroscopy analysis was done for identification of functional group, Scanning Electron MicroscopyEnergy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis for Morphology and Size and elemental confirmation, Transmission Electron Microscopy for determination of particle size and shape and X-Ray Diffraction for the identification of crystal structure. The material developed was used in a membrane filtration technology for degradation of selected pesticide. Pesticides(Chlorpyrifos) taken at fixed concentration (5 ppm) in a solvent and then stimulated effluents were subjected to photocatalytic degradation and allow to pass through the membrane filtration assembly under low pressure using cellulose acetate mixed polymeric membrane discs. Samples were analyzed by UV-VIS spectroscopy for the assessment of degradation of Chlorpyrifos. Results shows that ZnO alone show low degradation efficiency as compared to membrane filtration. When combined both the approaches (ZnO + Membrane filtration) there is steep decline in the absorption peak. Nanobased membrane filtration technology design and developed were found effective and efficient for the degradation of pesticides as compared to photocatalytic degradation carried out using ZnO.