FOTOCATÁLISIS HETEROGÉNEA PARA LA REMOCIÓN DE ANTIMONIO (Sb) EN AGUA UTILIZANDO DIÓXIDO DE TITANIO (TiO2) COMO CATALIZADOR

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to manipulate the heterogeneous photocatalysis method for the removal of antimony (Sb) in industrial waters. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used as a catalyst and hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant agent. The system consisted of a storage tank and a flat tubular solar collector which was exposed to the radiation in continuous flow for several exposure times, modifying the concentration of the catalyst, oxidizing agent and the pH of the solution. The levels of Sb expected in the removal were 0.006 mg/L based on the maximum permissible limits of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for drinking water. Experimental tests were made until finding the highest percentages of removal. The results obtained were 74.2% at pH 7 with 1 g of TiO2 and 10 mL per h of H2O2, 99.54% at pH 7, with 4 g of TiO2, 86.72% at pH 4 with 3 g of TiO2, at 10, 20 and 8 h of exposure respectively, with a UV light range of 4 to 11 monitored from the city’s weather station. It is concluded that at neutral pH with an amount of 4 g of TiO2, without adding the H2O2, in a time of 20 h, the developed photocatalytic system removed the Sb of the treated water in acceptable concentrations to the EPA’s drinking water regulations.