Degradation of oxalic acid in a photocatalytic ozonation system by means of Pilkington ActiveTM glass

This study aims to present the effect of combined ozone and immobilized TiO2 in the form of a well-known commercial product, Pilkington Active(TM), as a photocatalyst for the degradation of oxalic acid in aqueous solutions which is refractory to conventional ozonation treatments. Inclusive results on the influence of experimental variables such as temperature, pH value and initial concentration of oxalic acid on the rate of oxalic acid degradation and ozone consumption are demonstrated. Total organic carbon analyses were performed to investigate the mineralization of oxalic acid. Due to the enhanced photogeneration of hydroxyl radicals as a consequence of a synergistic interaction between the photo-activated TiO2 and ozone, the O-3/Pilkington Active(TM)/UVA system showed excellent potential for the oxidation and removal of oxalic acid contaminants in water. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.