ABSTRACT
This study investigates the optimization of photocatalytic degradation of paint industrial wastewater using a bentonite clay-titanium dioxide (TiO₂) composite under sunlight irradiation. The research aims to reduce key pollutants, including Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and turbidity, by leveraging the combined adsorption and photocatalytic properties of bentonite clay and TiO₂. The composite was synthesized using the sol-gel method and characterized through EnergyDispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine its structural and chemical properties. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize process parameters, including pH (3–9), catalyst dosage (0.5–2.5 g/L), and contact time (30–180 min), to achieve maximum pollutant removal efficiency. The results revealed that under optimized conditions (pH 6.36, contact time 126.69 minutes, and catalyst dosage 1.53 g/L), the un-activated bentonite clay-TiO₂ composite achieved removal efficiencies of 32.07% for BOD, 31.51% for COD, and 15.76% for turbidity. These findings highlight the potential of bentonite clay-TiO₂ composite as a cost-effective and sustainable treatment method for industrial wastewater. While the un-activated composite demonstrated promising results, further enhancements through activation and advanced modifications could improve its photocatalytic performance. This research contributes to the development of eco-friendly wastewater treatment solutions, supporting environmental sustainability and public healthABSTRACT This study investigates the optimization of photocatalytic degradation of paint industrial wastewater using a bentonite clay-titanium dioxide (TiO₂) composite under sunlight irradiation. The research aims to reduce key pollutants, including Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and turbidity, by leveraging the combined adsorption and photocatalytic properties of bentonite clay and TiO₂. The composite was synthesized using the sol-gel method and characterized through EnergyDispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine its structural and chemical properties. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize process parameters, including pH (3–9), catalyst dosage (0.5–2.5 g/L), and contact time (30–180 min), to achieve maximum pollutant removal efficiency. The results revealed that under optimized conditions (pH 6.36, contact time 126.69 minutes, and catalyst dosage 1.53 g/L), the un-activated bentonite clay-TiO₂ composite achieved removal efficiencies of 32.07% for BOD, 31.51% for COD, and 15.76% for turbidity. These findings highlight the potential of bentonite clay-TiO₂ composite as a cost-effective and sustainable treatment method for industrial wastewater. While the un-activated composite demonstrated promising results, further enhancements through activation and advanced modifications could improve its photocatalytic performance. This research contributes to the development of eco-friendly wastewater treatment solutions, supporting environmental sustainability and public health
