Photodegradation of MC-LR using a novel Au-decorated Ni metal-organic framework (Au/Ni-MOF)

Chemosphere. 2023 Dec:344:140404. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140404. Epub 2023 Oct 10.

Abstract

Microcystins (MCs) are toxins produced by cyanobacteria commonly found in harmful algal blooms (HAB) occurring in many surface waters. Conventional methods for removing MC-LR such as membrane filtration and activated carbon are only phase change removal methods and are often expensive in operation and maintenance. It is urgent to develop a rapid, easy-to-use, and cost-effective method for the degradation of MC-LR. In this study, a novel Au-decorated Ni-metal-organic framework (Au/Ni-MOF) was newly developed on a hydrophilic carbon fiber paper (2 cm × 2 cm) using an air spraying method. The Au/Ni-MOF was then applied for the photodegradation of MC-LR in water under UV-Vis. The addition of Au onto the surface of the Ni-MOF resulted in a nearly fivefold enhancement in the reaction rate coefficient (k), reaching a value of 0.0599 min-1 for the photodegradation of MC-LR (initial concentration of 20 ppb). It was found that 94.2% of MC-LR removal was attributed to photodegradation, with the remaining 5.8% from adsorption. The rate coefficient of 20 ppb of MC-LR in the surface water sample (pH 6.0) was 0.06 min-1 likely due to the presence of other contaminates including scavenger agents within the sample which inhibits the degradation reaction of the MC-LR. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential for the novel Au/Ni-MOF to effectively reduce the concentration of the MC-LR toxin in the contaminated water.

Keywords: Metal-organic framework (MOF); Microcystins; Photocatalyst; Sunlight; Visible light.

MeSH terms

  • Cyanobacteria*
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks*
  • Microcystins
  • Photolysis
  • Water
  • Water Purification* / methods

Substances

  • Metal-Organic Frameworks
  • Microcystins
  • Water