Biocompatible bismuth-based biochar material for degrading environmental endocrine disrupting compounds: Performance...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Environmental endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) pose significant water pollution challenges.
• Bismuth-based photocatalysts show promise for EDC treatment but face issues like electron-hole recombination and poor recyclability.
• Developing efficient and stable photocatalysts is crucial for effective water remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a novel bismuth-based biochar composite material for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of EDCs.
• To evaluate the efficiency, mechanism, and pathways of BiVO4/AgI/BC in degrading model EDCs (EE2 and E2).
• To assess the reusability, stability, and biotoxicity of the developed composite for practical water treatment applications.

Main Methods:

• A microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique was used to synthesize the BiVO4/AgI/BC composite.
• The photocatalytic degradation of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) and estradiol (E2) was investigated using the composite.
• Degradation efficiency, mechanism, pathways, reusability, stability, and biotoxicity were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The BiVO4/AgI/BC composite significantly enhanced electron transfer and •O2- production.
• Achieved high removal efficiencies: 99.68% for EE2 and 99.44% for E2.
• The material demonstrated excellent reusability, stability, and low biotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• The BiVO4/AgI/BC composite is a highly effective photocatalyst for eliminating EDCs.
• The material offers a stable, reusable, and environmentally benign solution for water pollution management.
• This composite shows significant potential for real-world application in treating EDCs in water.