Abstract:
Decolorization of Methylene Blue (MB) has been investigated using locally available
magnetite and ilmenite under UV and solar light. Effects of catalyst dosage, dye
concentration, concentration of H2O2, pH, and light intensity were observed. Impact of
inorganic salts and temperature on decolorization in presence of magnetite was also
studied. Optimum value of catalyst and H2O2 were found in case of Magnetite above which
decolorization decreases. Acidic condition (pH 3) was found to be preferable. All the
inorganic anions except nitrate ions had negative impact on the decolorization. On the other
hand higher catalyst dosage resulted in higher decolorization efficiency using Ilmenite.
Optimum value was observed in case of H2O2. Lower acidic environment was found to be
preferable. The research also proved that high light intensity could improve the
photocatalytic efficiency. 89% and 86% of .05 mM MB dye was removed for Magnetite
and Ilmenite respectively in 30 minute reaction time.
