Photocatalytic degradation of micro-polyvinyl chloride using green-synthesized iron nanoparticles

Abstract

The growing concern over plastic pollution and the environmental risks associated with microplastics (MPs) has garnered significant attention. Since conventional water treatment plants are not designed to effectively capture MPs, their effluents have become a major source of aquatic contamination. This study presents an eco-friendly approach utilizing iron nanoparticles (Fe-PP NPs), synthesized through green chemistry from pomegranate peel extract, as photocatalysts for the degradation of micro-polyvinyl chloride (Micro-PVC) in aqueous solutions. The synthesized Fe-PP NPs and micro-PVC surfaces were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to examine their morphology and composition before and after photodegradation. The photocatalytic process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD) to assess key operational parameters influencing degradation efficiency. The Fe-PP NPs exhibited high photocatalytic activity, achieving 95% micro-PVC removal under optimal conditions: 50 mg/L catalyst concentration, 5 mg micro-PVC weight, pH 3, and a reaction time of 30 days. The CCD model predictions closely matched the experimental data, confirming the reliability and effectiveness of this approach. This study highlights the potential of green-synthesized Fe-PP NPs as a sustainable solution for microplastic pollution in water treatment.