Removal of blue cat 41 dye from aqueous solutions with ZnO nanoparticles in combination with US and US-H2O2 advanced oxidation processes

Background: The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficiency of ultrasound/hydrogen peroxide processes and ultrasound/hydrogen peroxide/ZnO nanoparticles in the removal of blue cat 41 dye from aqueous solutions. Methods: ZnO nanoparticles were prepared using the hydrothermal method. Variables including pH, concentration of ZnO nanoparticles, initial dye concentration, concentration of hydrogen peroxide, and contact time were investigated. Results: H2O2 alone is not effective in dye removal. In conditions of H2O2 = 20 mg/L and US = 30 kHz, removal efficiency rates of 6.5%, 23.5%, 30%, 51.8%, and 55%, respectively, were obtained. The maximum removal efficiency rate was obtained at the nanoparticle concentration of 3 g/l. Also, removal efficiency was reduced when the initial dye concentration was increased. Conclusion: The combination of nanoparticles and US and H2O2 is very effective in removing blue cat 41 dye. As a result, photo catalytic processes can be considered to effectively remove environmental pollutants.