Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Photocatalytic treatment of petroleum industry wastewater using recirculating annular reactor: comparison of experimental and modeling

  • Advanced Oxidation Process for Sustainable Water Management
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this study, the treatment of petroleum wastewater has been investigated by applying heterogeneous photocatalytic process using a recirculating annual reactor. An attempt has been made to study the effect of operating parameters such as TiO2 load, initial concentration of the pollutant, emitted photonic flux, and pH of the solution. The degradation efficiency of toluene and benzene, as target molecules, was studied. In fact, result showed that the toluene is better degraded alone than when it is in a mixture. The rate of elimination of toluene separately was 89.5%, while it was 76.19 and 79.55% in the binary (toluene/benzene) and the ternary mixtures (toluene/benzene/xylene), respectively. Moreover, the mineralization of the solution decreased more rapidly when toluene was pure with a rate of 83.13% compared to binary and ternary mixtures. A mathematical model is proposed taking into account the parameters influencing the process performances. The mass transfer step, the degradation, and the mineralization kinetics of the pollutants were defined as model parameters. To build the model, mass balances are written in bulk region and catalyst phase (solid phase). The degradation mechanism on solid phase is divided in two stages. Firstly, the removal of toluene gives an equivalent intermediate (EI). Secondly, EI is oxidized into carbon dioxide (CO2). This approach gives a good agreement between modeling and empirical data in terms of degradation and mineralization. It also allows for the simulation of toluene kinetics without knowing the plausible chemical pathway. A satisfactory fit with experimental data was obtained for the degradation and mineralization of toluene.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdullah AM, Al-Thani NJ, Tawbi K, Al-Kandari H (2016) Carbon/nitrogen-doped TiO2: new synthesis route, characterization and application for phenol degradation. Arab J Chem 9(2):229–237

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Assadi AA, Bouzaza A, Wolbert D, Petit P (2014) Isovaleraldehyde elimination by UV/TiO2 photocatalysis: comparative study of the process at different reactors configurations and scales. Environ Sci Pollut Res 21(19):11178–111788

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Assadi AA, Bouzaza A, Lemasle M, Wolbert D (2015) Acceleration of trimethylamine removal process under synergistic effect of photocatalytic oxidation and surface discharge plasma reactor. Can J Chem Eng 93:1239–1246

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Assadi I, Assadi AA, Elfalleh W, Bouzaza A, Ferchichi A, Wolbert D (2017) Combined system of natural pomegranate as heterogeneous bioadsorbent and photocatalysis for removal of textile dye herbicide in presence of heavy metals: effect of operating parameters and reaction monitoring. Desalin Water Treat 67:339–345

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Azzaz AA, Assadi AA, Bouzaza B, Wolbert D, Rtimi S, Bousselmi L, Jellali S (2018) Discoloration of simulated textile effluent in continuous photoreactor using immobilized titanium dioxide: effect of zinc and sodium chloride. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 358(1):111–120

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Belaissa Y, Nibou D, Assadi AA, Bellal B, Trari M (2016) A new hetero-junction p-CuO/n-ZnO for the removal of amoxicillin by photocatalysis under solar irradiation. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 68:254–265

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bharati R, Suresh S (2017) Biosynthesis of ZnO/SiO2 nanocatalyst with palash leaves’ powder for treatment of petroleum refinery effluent. Reffit 3(4):528–541

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carp O, Huisman CL, Reller A (2004) Photoinduced reactivity of titanium dioxide. Prog Solid State Chem 32(1–2):33–177

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eydivand S, Nikazar M (2015) Degradation of 1,2-dichloroethane in simulated wastewater solution: a comprehensive study by photocatalysis using TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. Chem Eng Commun 202:102–111

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrari-Lima AM, de Souza RP, Mendes SS, Marques RG, Gimenes ML, Fernandes-Machado NRC (2015) Photodegradation of benzene, toluene and xylenes under visible light applying N-doped mixed TiO2 and ZnO catalysts. Catal Today 241:40–46

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hao C, Li J, Zhang Z, Ji Y, Zhan H, Xiao F, Wang D, Liu B, Su F (2015) Enhancement of photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles doped with CeO2 and supported on SiO2 for phenol degradation. Appl Surf Sci 331:17–26

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • He F, Ma F, Li T, Li G (2013) Solvothermal synthesis of N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles using different nitrogen sources, and their photocatalytic activity for degradation of benzene. Chin J Catal 34(12):2263–2270

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hinojosa-Reyes M, Arriaga S, Diaz-Torres LA, Rodríguez-González V (2013) Gas-phase photocatalytic decomposition of ethylbenzene over perlite granules coated with indium doped TiO2. Chem Eng J 224:106–113

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim J, Zhang P, Li J, Wang J, Fu P (2014) Photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene and ozone under UV254+185 nm irradiation using a Pd-deposited TiO2 film. Chem Eng J 252:337–345

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kobya M, Bayramoglu M, Eyvaz M (2007) Techno-economical evaluation of electrocoagulation for the textile wastewater using different electrode connections. J Hazard Mater 148:311–318

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Korologos CA, Nikolaki MD, Zerva CN, Philippopoulos CJ, Poulopoulos SG (2012) Photocatalytic oxidation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and m-xylene in the gas-phase over TiO2-based catalysts. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 244:24–31

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kwon S, Fan M, Cooper AT, Yang H (2008) Photocatalytic applications of micro- and nano-TiO2 in environmental engineering. Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol 38:197–226

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li M, Song W, Zeng L, Zeng D, Xie C (2014) Synthesis of a novel NHTiO2 photocatalyst by annealing in NH3 and H2 for complete decomposition of high concentration benzene under visible light irradiation. Mater Lett 136:258–261

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liang S, Wen L, Liu G, Zhu S, Yuan R, Wu L (2013) Comparative study of photocatalytic activities of Ca2Nb2O7 nanopolyhedra and TiO2: degradations of benzene and methyl orange. Catal Today 201:175–181

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu L, Chen F, Yang F, Chen Y, Crittenden J (2012a) Photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol using nanoscale Fe/TiO2. Chem Eng J 181-182:189–195

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Z, Fang P, Wang S, Gao Y, Chen F, Zheng F, Liu Y, Dai Y (2012b) Photocatalytic degradation of gaseous benzene with CdS-sensitized TiO2 film coated on fiberglass cloth. J Mol Catal A Chem 363-364:159–165

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Z, Chen F, Fang P, Wang S, Gao Y, Zheng F, Liu Y, Dai Y (2013) Study of adsorption assisted photocatalytic oxidation of benzene with TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposites. Appl Catal A Gen 451:120–126

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Long B, Huang J, Wang X (2012) Photocatalytic degradation of benzene in gas phase by nanostructured BiPO4 catalysts. Prog Nat Sci: Mater Int 22(6):644–653

  • Lou W, Kane A, Wolbert D, Rtimi S, Assadi A (2017) Study of a photocatalytic process for removal of antibiotics from wastewater in a falling film photoreactor: scavenger study and process intensification feasibility. Chem Eng Process Process Intensif 122:213–221

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Malato S, Fernandez P, Maldonado MI, Blanco J, Gernjak W (2009) Decontamination and disinfection of water by solar photocatalysis: recent overview and trends. Catal Today 147(1):1–59

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Merabet S, Assadi AA, Bouzaza A, Wolbert D (2016) Photocatalytic degradation of indole–4-methylphenol mixture in an aqueous solution: optimization and statistical analysis. Desalin Water Treat 57(36):17039–17050

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ollis DF, Pelizzetti E, Serpone N (1991) Photocatalyzed destruction of water contaminants. Environ Sci Technol 25(9):1522–1529

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Olya ME, Pirkarami A, Soleimani M, Bahmaei M (2013) Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of acid dye using NieTiO2 with the energy supplied by solar cell: mechanism and economical studies. J Environ Manag 121:210–219

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prabha I, Lathasree S (2014) Photodegradation of phenol by zinc oxide, titania and zinc oxide–titania composites: nanoparticle synthesis, characterization and comparative photocatalytic efficiencies. Mater Sci Semicond Process 26:603–613

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rashmi B, Sonika B, Pinki BP, Suresh CA (2003) The hydroxylation of toluene using cadmium sulphide as a photocatalyst. Philipp J Sci 132(1):67–71

    Google Scholar 

  • Ren C, Zhou L, Duan Y, Chen Y (2012) Synergetic effect of thermo-photocatalytic oxidation of benzene on Pt-TiO2/Ce-MnOx. J Rare Earths 30(11):1106–1111

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ren C, Qiu W, Zhang H, He Z, Chen Y (2015) Degradation of benzene on TiO2/SiO2/Bi2O3 photocatalysts under UV and visible light. J Mol Catal A Chem 398:215–222

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Royaee SJ, Sohrabi M, Jabari BP (2012) Performance evaluation of a continuous flow photo-impinging streams cyclone reactor for phenol degradation. Chem Eng Res Des 90(11):1923–1929

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sandeep S, Nagashree KL, Maiyalagan T, Keerthiga G (2018) Photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid—a comparative study in hydrothermal TiO2 and commercial TiO2. Appl Surf Sci. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.02.051

  • Sangkhun W, Laokiat L, Tanboonchuy V, Khamdahsag P, Grisdanurak N (2012) Photocatalytic degradation of BTEX using W-doped TiO2 immobilized on fiberglass cloth under visible light. Superlattice Microst 52(4):632–642

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shaari N, Tan SH, Mohamed AR (2012) Synthesis and characterization of CNT/Ce-TiO2 nanocomposite for phenol degradation. J Rare Earths 30(7):651–658

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shahrezaei F, Mansouri Y, Zinatizadeh AAL, Akhbar A (2012) Process modeling and kinetic evaluation of petroleum refinery wastewater treatment in a photocatalytic reactor using TiO2 nanoparticles. Powder Technol 221:203–212

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shen Y, Zhao Q, Li X, Yuan D, Hou Y, Liu S (2012) Enhanced visible-light induced degradation of benzene on Mg ferrite/hematite/PANI nanospheres: in situ FTIR investigation. J Hazard Mater 241(242):472–477

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh P, Borthakur A, Srivastava N, Singh R, Tiwary D, Mishra PK (2016) Photocatalytic degradation of benzene and toluene in aqueous medium. Pollution 2(2):199–210

    Google Scholar 

  • Vuong M (2011) Depollution and desodorison of the air by photocatalysis assisted by adsorption on activated charcoal in flow reactor continuous front and sequence. Doctoral thesis, University of Rennes 1

  • Wang J, Wang X, Liu X, Zhu T, Guo Y, Qi H (2015) Catalytic oxidation of chlorinated benzenes over V2O5/TiO2 catalysts: the effects of chlorine substituents. Catal Today 241:92–99

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu X, Gu X, Lu S, Xu M, Zang X, Miao Z, Qiu Z, Sui Q (2014) Degradation of trichloroethylene in aqueous solution by persulfate activated with citric acid chelated ferrous ion. Chem Eng J 255:585–592

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yu H, Ming H, Zhang H, Li H, Pan K, Liu Y, Wang F, Gong J, Kang Z (2012) Au/ZnO nanocomposites: facile fabrication and enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of benzene. Mater Chem Phys 137(1):113–117

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yu S, Yun HJ, Kim YH, Yi J (2014) Carbon-doped TiO2 nanoparticles wrapped with nanographene as a high-performance photocatalyst for phenol degradation under visible light irradiation. Appl Catal B Environ 144:893–899

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zou T, Xie C, Liu Y, Zhang S, Zou Z, Zhang S (2013) Full mineralization of toluene by photocatalytic degradation with porous TiO2/SiC nanocomposite film. J Alloys Compd 552:504–510

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, ISCR—UMR6226, Université Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France

    Amina Rabahi, Aymen Amine Assadi, Abdelkrim Bouzaza & Dominique Wolbert

  2. Laboratory of Engineering Reaction Faculty of Engineering Mechanic and Engineering Processes USTHB, BP 32, Algiers, Algeria

    Amina Rabahi, Noureddine Nasrallah & Rachida Maachi

Authors
  1. Amina Rabahi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Aymen Amine Assadi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Noureddine Nasrallah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Abdelkrim Bouzaza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Rachida Maachi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Dominique Wolbert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Aymen Amine Assadi.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Muhammad Shahbaz

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Rabahi, A., Assadi, A.A., Nasrallah, N. et al. Photocatalytic treatment of petroleum industry wastewater using recirculating annular reactor: comparison of experimental and modeling. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 19035–19046 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2954-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2954-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation