Degradation Properties of Ibuprofen Using Photocatalytic Process

Abstract

In this study, Ibuprofen (IBP) degradation by the photo catalytic process was investigated under various parameters, such as UV intensity, optimum dosage of TiO2, alkalinity, temperature and pH of bulk solution. The pseudo-first order degradation rate constants were in the order of 10 -1 to 10 -4 min -1 depending on each condition. The Photocatalytic IBP degradation rate increased with an increase in the applied UV power. At high UV intensity a high rate of tri-iodide (I3 -) ion formation was also observed. Moreover, in order to avoid the use of an excess catalyst, the optimum dosage of catalyst under the various UV intensities (30 and 40 W/L) was examined and ranged from approximately 0.1 gL -1 . The photo catalytic IBP degradation rate was changed depending on the alkalinity and temperature and pH in the aqueous solution. This study demonstrated the potential of photo catalytic IBP degradation under different conditions.