Ultrasound-assisted degradation of organophosphorus pesticide methidathion using CuFe2O4@SiO2-GOCOOH as a magnetic separable sonocatalyst

Abstract

Water contamination by pesticides is a critical environmental issue, necessitating the development of sustainable and efficient degradation methods. This study focuses on synthesizing and evaluating a novel heterogeneous sonocatalyst for degrading pesticide methidathion. The catalyst consists of graphene oxide (GO) decorated CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂ nanocomposites. Comprehensive characterization using various techniques confirmed the superior sonocatalytic activity of the CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂-GOCOOH nanocomposite compared to CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂ alone. The enhanced performance is attributed to the combined effects of GO and CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂, including increased surface area, enhanced adsorption capabilities, and efficient electron transfer pathways. Reaction parameters such as time, temperature, concentration, and pH significantly influenced the degradation efficiency of methidathion. Longer reaction times, higher temperatures, and lower initial pesticide concentrations favored faster degradation and higher efficiency. Optimal pH conditions were identified to ensure effective degradation. Remarkably, the catalyst demonstrated excellent recyclability, indicating its potential for practical implementation in pesticide-contaminated wastewater treatment. This research contributes to the development of sustainable methods for environmental remediation, highlighting the promising potential of the graphene oxide decorated CuFe₂O₄@SiO₂ nanocomposite as an effective heterogeneous sonocatalyst for pesticide degradation.