Efficient removal of triclosan from water through activated carbon adsorption and photodegradation processes

This study investigated the application of adsorption with activated carbons (ACs) and photodegradation to reduce the concentration of triclosan (TCS) in aqueous solutions. Concerning adsorption, ACs (Darco, Norit, and F400) were characterised and batch experiments were performed to elucidate the effect of pH on equilibrium. The results showed that at pH = 7, the maximum adsorption capacity of TCS onto the ACs was 18.5 mg g−1 for Darco, 16.0 mg g−1 for Norit, and 15.5 mg g−1 for F400. The diffusional kinetic model allowed an adequate interpretation of the experimental data. The effective diffusivity varied and increased with the amount of TCS adsorbed, from 1.06 to 1.68 × 10−8 cm2 s−1. In the case of photodegradation, it was possible to ensure that the triclosan molecule was sensitive to UV light of 254 nm because the removal was over 80 % using UV light. The removal of TCS increased in the presence of sulfate radicals. It was possible to identify 2,4-dichlorophenol as one of the photolytic degradation products of triclosan, which does not represent an environmental hazard at low concentrations of triclosan in water. These results confirm that the use of AC Darco, Norit, and F400 and that photodegradation processes with UV light and persulfate radicals are effective in removing TCS from water, reaching concentration levels that do not constitute a risk to human health or environmental hazard. Both methods effectively eliminate pollutants with relatively easy techniques to implement. [Display omitted] •Darco, Norit, and F400 activated carbons exhibit significant adsorption capacities for triclosan.•The diffusional kinetic model aids in understanding the adsorption process.•PH influences triclosan adsorption on activated carbons.•UV light (254 nm) is highly effective in photodegrading triclosan.•Addition of sulfate radicals enhances triclosan photodegradation.