Application of TiO2/perlite photocatalysis for degradation of ammonia in wastewater

The purpose of this study was removal of ammonia by a new photocatalytic process from synthetic wastewater under UV irradiation. TiO2 was used as the photocatalyst and immobilized on perlite granules as a supporter. The prepared catalysts were characterized by SEM and FTIR analysis showed that TiO2/perlite catalyst has mesoporous structures and uniform coating of TiO2 on support. Also, the optimum efficiency of photocatalytical degradation of ammonia was obtained at pH 11 for UV intensity irradiation with 125 W lamp. About 68% degradation of ammonia in wastewater was achieved after 180 min of irradiation by using the optimized reaction conditions.