Preparation and characterization of zno/bentonite nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of pesticides in contaminated water
Abstract This study analyzed water samples from Jazan, Saudi Arabia, identifying six pesticides from organochlorine (OCP) and organophosphorus (OPP) groups. The objective was to degrade these contaminants using ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO/bentonite nanocomposites as photocatalysts. Both commercial and...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
|
| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-09449-2 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Abstract This study analyzed water samples from Jazan, Saudi Arabia, identifying six pesticides from organochlorine (OCP) and organophosphorus (OPP) groups. The objective was to degrade these contaminants using ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO/bentonite nanocomposites as photocatalysts. Both commercial and local Saudi bentonite were incorporated at different concentrations to enhance ZnO’s efficiency. Experiments were conducted under UV light (254 nm and 306 nm), and pesticide concentrations were monitored at two-hour intervals. Results showed complete degradation within 6–10 h, with ZnO/5b achieving the highest efficiency (over 90% degradation within 6 h at 306 nm). Saudi bentonite-supported ZnO also demonstrated significant performance, suggesting its potential as a low-cost alternative. UV light at 306 nm was more effective than 254 nm, indicating that both wavelength and pesticide structure influence degradation rates. The study found that ZnO/5b exhibited the highest surface area (178.7 m²/g), contributing to enhanced photocatalytic activity. Additionally, the degradation efficiency for Fenthion, Fenitrothion, and Diazinon reached 100% within 6 h using ZnO/5b at 306 nm, whereas DDD and DDE required up to 12 h for complete removal. Compared to previous research, this study highlights improved degradation efficiency, demonstrating the synergistic effect of bentonite on ZnO’s photocatalytic properties. The findings underscore the feasibility of ZnO/bentonite composites for sustainable water treatment applications. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |