Degradation of nonpoint source pollutants derived from plastic waste using WO3/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst

Pollutants such as bisphenol A (B-PhA) and phenol (Ph), commonly associated with plastic production, are increasingly prevalent contaminants in water, air, and soil. This study presents the synthesis and application of metal oxide WO3-loaded g-C3N4 photocatalysts, labeled as WO@CN, designed for the effective removal of Ph and B-PhA from nonpoint source pollution. The WO@CN photocatalyst demonstrated high degradation efficiency, achieving removal rates of up to 96.1 % for Ph and 82.5 % for B-PhA in controlled aqueous solutions. In nonpoint source wastewater, the removal efficiencies were slightly reduced to 81.8 % for Ph and 69.5 % for B-PhA. Decomposition by-products analysis revealed that Ph and B-PhA were gradually converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. Additionally, the study investigates the photocatalytic degradation mechanisms and stresses the environmental risks posed by nonpoint source micropollutants, highlighting the importance of addressing this widespread issue.