Photocatalytic Degradation of Deltamethrin in Drinking Water Under Visible Light by Using Zno and Tio2

The use of deltamethrin is increasing due to its high demand in agriculture. However, it is toxic to both surface and groundwater. Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy of any major nation. This study aims to enhance pesticide degradation by using specially designed catalysts optimized for visible light exposure. The key innovation lies in the customized catalyst design, which improves photocatalytic efficiency while offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach. Various factors affecting degradation, including adsorbent quantity, pH, contact time, and initial concentration, were analyzed. The reactor consists of a 6-watt (380 nm) visible light lamp and a stirrer to ensure uniform mixing of the sample. Photocatalysts ZnO and TiO₂, in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 g/L, were used to generate oxidizing agents. Under visible light, the impact of these factors on the degradation of different pesticide solutions was examined. The optimal doses were found to be 1.5 g/L for ZnO and 0.1 g/L for TiO₂. ZnO achieved a degradation rate of 96.3%, while TiO₂ slightly outperformed it with a rate of 96.34%. The study also investigated the effect of pH variations on deltamethrin degradation, revealing stronger degradation in alkaline conditions. Additionally, TiO₂ effectively reduced the COD value, demonstrating its superior efficiency in pesticide breakdown.