ABSTRACT
MgO/granular activated carbon (MgO/GAC-1) was prepared via an impregnation method, and its activity in ozonation of diuron and acetic acid was investigated. MgO/GAC-1 was also compared in stability to the same catalyst prepared via precipitation according to the literature (MgO/GAC-2). The results showed that MgO/GAC-1 could increase efficiency of ozonation by 15%-35% in the process of degradation of diuron and acetic acid. When the pH of the solution was neutral or alkaline, MgO/GAC-1 could effectively retard the decrease in pH owing to formation of small molecular organic acids, thus ensuring the efficiency of ozone. When the pH of the solution was acidic, MgO/GAC-1 could increase the pH of the solution to a certain extent, thereby enhancing the efficiency of ozonation. The adjusting effect of pH value is the reason why MgO can significantly improve the efficiency of ozonation, a fact that was ignored in the relevant literature. Although MgO/GAC-1 had a larger specific surface area, MgO/GAC-1 had better activity in ozonation. A recycling test also indicated that MgO/GAC-1 had better stability, showing a good prospect for application.
