Enhanced photocatalytic–biological degradation of 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

In this study the most effective method of its degradation and bioremediation has been studied. Two microbial consortia capable of utilizing 2,4-D as a sole source of carbon were isolated from the Egyptian environment. One of the microbial consortia interestingly contained a certain kind of protozoa as one of the mixed consortia members. Degradation of 2,4-D by the microbial consortia was affected by 2,4-D initial concentration, agitation, pH of the medium and temperature. The two consortia were able to degrade up to 700mgl−1 of 2,4-D. Pre-treatment with UV radiations in the presence of photocatalyst such as TiO2 accelerates the biodegradation process. The toxic non biodegradable concentration of 2,4-D which was found to be the 800mgl−1, was degraded by pre-treatment with UV/TiO2 and a subsequent microbial inoculation. The combined treatment proved to be an efficient mean of biodegradation and detoxification of toxic non biodegradable concentrations of 2,4-D.
Source: Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research