Remediating Nitrate Contamination in Al-Arbaeen Lagoon: Evaluating the Efficacy of CNT/TiO 2 Photocatalyst

The distribution pattern of nitrate in Al-Arbaeen lagoon is a matter of concern due to its elevated levels, which pose significant risks to the environment and human health. This particular research aims to address the issue by exploring the remediation potential of a photocatalyst composed of multiwalled carbon nanotube-modified titanium dioxide (CNT/TiO 2 ). The study focuses on assessing the efficiency of this photocatalytic process in degrading nitrate and reducing its concentration in water samples collected from Al-Arbaeen lagoon. By modifying TiO 2 with carbon, the photocatalyst's activity is enhanced, enabling efficient degradation of nitrate under sunlight and expanding its absorption range to visible light. A batch reactor equipped with the carbon-modified TiO 2 catalyst is employed, and changes in nitrate concentration over time are analyzed. The carbon-modified TiO 2 photocatalyst effectively decreases the concentration of nitrate in the water samples. As a result, the photocatalytic process facilitates the conversion of nitrate into harmless byproducts, ultimately enhancing the overall water quality. The researchers conducted various characterizations of the prepared photocatalyst using SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, and UV–Vis spectrophotometer. Various factors, including the amount of catalyst used, the initial concentration of nitrate, and the duration of the reaction, were observed to affect the efficiency of degradation. The study also investigates the kinetics and mechanism of the photocatalytic process, shedding light on the degradation pathway of nitrate and the role of carbon modification in improving the photocatalyst's performance. Under optimized conditions, the photocatalytic process achieved 100% removal efficiency of nitrate from the polluted water.