Improved solar light-driven photocatalytic efficiency of Ag-Fe@BC in the presence of H₂O₂ for myclobutanil degradation and toxicity investigation

This research investigated the synthesis of Ag-doped Fe (Ag-Fe@BC) using plant biochar (PLC) for the degradation of Myclobutanil (MBL) pesticide. Various analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron such as SEM, energy dispersed x-ray, (EDX), Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), confirmed the successful synthesis of Ag-Fe@BC in both highly crystalline and amorphous forms. Wastewater containing MBL was treated with Ag-Fe@BC, and the result demonstrated a 76% removal of MBL within a 140-time interval. The mechanistic degradation of MBL through ∙OH radicals under light was comprehensively evaluated. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was employed in conjunction with the doping material (Ag-Fe@BC) under solar light to enhance the degradation of MBL. The study investigated various parameters, including concentration, temperature, pH, co-existing substances, and the presence of natural organic matter, to understand their effects on MBL degradation. Detailed toxicity analyses of MBL and its degradation products (DPs) revealed the formation of non-toxic acetate, demonstrating the treatment technology's enhanced capability in reducing toxicity.