Electrochemical monitoring of the photocatalytic degradation of the insecticide emamectin benzoate using TiO2 and ZnO materials

Photocatalysis is a rapidly expanding technology where diverse range of toxic chemicals can be completely degraded in water. In this study, an efficient photocatalytic method for the degradation aquatic pollutant, emamectin benzoate, coupled with novel electrochemical monitoring reported first time. Photocatalytic reactions were performed slurry-based reactor containing either ZnO or TiO2 photocatalyst irradiated 365 nm UV-LEDs. Electrochemical was accomplished using Square Wave Voltammetry cathodically pre-treated boron doped diamond indicator electrode. Parameters such as initial pollutant concentration, solution pH and dosage, investigated to optimise process. While provided higher rate than at all concentrations investigated, overall profiles similar. This technique allowed large parameters effectively scrutinised degradation.