Rapid photocatalytic degradation of flufenacet and cyflufenamid in aquatic ecosystem by direct sunlight

Abstract

Photocatalytic (ZLT, air and solar radiation) degradation of flufenacet and cyflufenamid in aquatic ecosystem by direct sunlight were studied. Lanthanum ion doped nano TiO₂ (LnP) encapsulated in NaY Zeolite pores (1:10) (ZLnp) and then impregnated in Polystyrene film (ZLT) catalyst was synthesized. Catalyst characterization was done by SEM-EDX, TEM and AFM. Results revealed the successful loading of Lanthanum ion doped nano TiO₂ (LnP) inside NaY Zeolite cages.  The photocatalytic conditions were carried out at a concentration of 20 mg L-1of pesticide, with 0.01M of H2O2 and catalytic amount of 500 mg L-1 of ZLT under stirred conditions. Based on the results, ZLT showed   40% and 60% degradation of the Flufenacet and Cyflufenamid after 5 hours. Same film models were used in presence of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and optimized ratio yielded good results. Upon observation the present investigation also revealed that the synthesized catalyst was reusable successfully for six times without any loss in catalytic activity. So, from the above results it was proved that ZLT is an efficient ecofriendly catalyst for the degradation of flufenacet and cyflufenamid in aquatic ecosystem by direct sunlight.