Fe(III)-Citrate-Complex-Induced Photooxidation of 3-Methylphenol in Aqueous Solution. (19th March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seraghni, N.; Belattar, S.; Mameri, Y.; Debbache, N.; Sehili, T.
• Other Names: Robertson Peter Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of photoenergy. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-03-19
• Subjects: Photochemistry -- Periodicals; Photobiology -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; Photochimie; Photobiologie; Chimie physique et théorique; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical; Photobiology; Photochemistry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 541.35
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/630425
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1110-662X

Abstract

Abstract : The photodegradation process of m-cresol (3-methylphenol), induced by Fe(III)-Cit complex, was investigated upon irradiation at 365 nm in natural water. The composition and photochemical properties of Fe(III)-Cit complex were studied by UV-Visible absorption spectrophotometer for optimizing the stoichiometry of the complex and photolysis under irradiation at 365 nm, respectively. A dark investigation of the system was performed before studying the photochemical behavior. The photooxidation efficiencies of m-cresol were dependent on the pH value, optimized at pH 2.86, oxygen, initial concentrations of Fe(III)-Cit complex, and m-cresol. Additionally, to look into the mechanism of m-cresol degradation using Fe(III)-Cit, tertiobutanol alcohol was used as scavenger for hydroxyl radicals and the result suggested that hydroxyl radical attack was the main pathway of m-cresol degradation. Besides, oxygen can enhance the photolysis of Fe(III)-Citrate complex by trapping the electron on the carbon centered radical formed after the photoredox process. Then O2 − formed reacts rapidly leading finally to formation of OH radical. In absence of oxygen, less reactive species are formed; consequently the disappearance of m-cresol was strongly inhibited. Our work shows that the presence of Fe(III)-Citrate complex could have a considerable impact on the fate of organic pollutant in aquatic environment.