A Study of Optimal Experimental Conditions in the Photocatalytic Degradation of an Organophosphorous Insecticide

Abstract

The photodegradation in aqueous solutions of dimethyl 2,2 dichloro vinyl phosphate (common name DDVP or Dichlorvos), which is an organophosphorous insecticide, was studied by using illumination with UV lamp and solar exposure. TiO<inf>2</inf> was used as a photocatalyst. In photocatalytic degradation, different TiO<inf>2</inf> amounts, different illumination times and different pH values were examined in order to determine the optimal experimental conditions. DDVP removals at different initial DDVP concentrations under these conditions were investigated. In the photocatalytic degradation experiments, DDVP and PO<inf>4</inf>3− (as orthophosphate) concentrations were determined. pH, potential and conductivity values were measured. © 1999 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.