Production of new composites with the ability to remove residues of agricultural toxins from wastewater
In his postdoctoral research, an organic chemistry researcher succeeded in making novel composites for the degradation of pesticides in wastewater by cleverly integrating quantum dots into metal-organic frameworks. According to the Mehr News Agency, quoted by the Vice President for Science, Technology and Economy of the Presidential Knowledge Foundation, Homa Targhan, a PhD student in organic chemistry from Razi University of Kermanshah, who managed to implement this project with the guidance of Alireza Aliabadi and the support of the National Science Foundation of Iran, said: At the same time as the global population growth and the intensification of agricultural and industrial activities, environmental concerns are increasing. Over the past decade, environmental pollution caused by hazardous waste has become a serious problem and a global challenge. Effluents of factories, industries, laboratories and domestic sewage contain various organic compounds such as pesticides, herbicides and organic dyes. He added: Due to their toxicity and durability, these pollutants can directly affect the health of the ecosystem, in addition, they cause serious threats to humans through the contamination of drinking water sources. Therefore, it is very important to try to achieve the effective removal of persistent organic pollutants from wastewater to reduce the problems caused by contamination with these toxic chemicals. This researcher further said: Various methods such as chemical oxidation, biological methods, combustion, flocculation and adsorption on carbon have been used to remove organic pollutants. These methods have limitations such as high cost, inefficiency and the production of secondary pollutants. He stated: In recent years, the use of heterogeneous photocatalytic processes for water purification due to its effectiveness in destroying and converting dangerous organic substances into molecules such as water, carbon dioxide, simple mineral acids and substances with less toxicity, as well as the possibility of using the spectrum The solar violet and visible light spectrum, at room temperature, have been widely studied. Also, pesticides can reach surface water through plant runoff and soil. This researcher further stated: Studies show that water pollution by pesticides is very widespread. Among many potential solutions for pollutant removal, the use of photocatalysts is expanding as an emerging phenomenon. As you know, sunlight is abundant, available, clean and safe. In the end, he pointed out: The main goal of this project is to introduce new nanocomposites of metal-organic frameworks and quantum dots and use them as efficient and recyclable photocatalysts for the removal and destruction of pesticides in wastewater. The use of these nanocomposites can help to destroy and remove more organic pollutants, including organic dyes.
