Detoxification of 4-chlorophenol in TiO sub(2) sunlight system: effect of raw and treated solution on seed germination and plants growth of various sensitive vegetables

• Published in: Toxicological and environmental chemistry Vol. 96; no. 6; pp. 869 - 879
• Main Authors: Elghniji, Kais, Salem, Sabrine, Mosbah, Mongi ben, Elaloui, Elimame, Moussaoui, Younes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 03.07.2014
• Subjects: Allium cepa; Brassica rapa; Environment protection; Environmental chemistry; Germination; Lactuca sativa; Lycopersicon esculentum; Plants (organisms); Raw; Seeds; Sunlight; Tap water; Titanium dioxide
• ISSN: 0277-2248; 1029-0486
• DOI: 10.1080/02772248.2014.983511

The mineralization and detoxification of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) were studied using a TiO sub(2)-paper/sunlight system. The possibility of reusing the photocatalyst was examined to determine the cost effectiveness of the method. Experiments were performed to establish optimum conditions for 4-CP removal. Phytotoxicity of photo-treated and raw 4-CP (100 mg L super(-1)) solutions on seed germination and plant growth were carried out with the aim of water reuse and environment protection. The seeds irrigated with raw 4-CP solution showed lower sprout length while increase in sprout length was observed with the photo-treated solution for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), onion (Allium cepa), and turnip (Brassica rapa). Plant growth tests with the photo-treated 4-CP solution did not affect the leaf numbers compared to those irrigated with tap water. Photo-treated 4-CP solution can be used for irrigation in agriculture.