TITLE:
UV Photocatalytic Degradation of Commercial Naphthenic Acid Using TiO2-Zeolite Composites
AUTHORS:
Kennedy K. Kalebaila, Craig Fairbridge
KEYWORDS:
Naphthenic Acid Conversion, GC-MS, TAN, Diffuse Reflectance, TiO2-Zeolite
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.6 No.12,
September
30,
2014
ABSTRACT: The
presence of naphthenic acids in oil sand products and process streams is the
cause of toxicity to aquatic life and corrosion. The removal of organic acids
from tailings pond water reduces the negative impact on marine life. The
ultra-violet (UV) photocatalytic reduction of commercial naphthenic acid in
water using TiO2-zeolitecomposites showed a significant decrease in
the concentration of naphthenic acid, accompanied by an increase in carbon
dioxide formation; the presence of carbon dioxide signifies degradation of the
naphthenic acids. Mixtures of the acid and photocatalyst kept in the dark did
not show any concentration changes. The extent of naphthenic acid reduction by
UV light was verified by the reduction in total acidity. The total acidity
values of mixtures of the acid and TiO2-zeoliteexposed to UV
decreased by 31% compared to mixtures kept in the dark. A reduction in total
acidity may lead to a decrease in the toxicity of naphthenic acid contaminated
water.