Electrochemical oxidation of fipronil contaminated wastewater by RuO2/IrO2/TaO2 coated titanium anodes and sorbent nano hydroxyapatite

Fipronil (C12H4Cl2F6N4OS) is a phenylpyrazole insecticide used worldwide and actively marketed in a wide of range of developing countries. However, due to its usage in high levels coupled with lack of degradability and threat to welfare of living organisms represent significant environmental concern. In the present study, we have analyzed the efficiency of the electro catalytic process for removal of fipronil in wastewater. Further, it focused to address the advantages of nano hydroxyapatite (n-Hap) as a low cost and effective nano sorbent for fluoride removal from the pesticide fipronil. Employing synthetically prepared wastewater, experiments were designed to optimize variables such as pH, electrolysis time and current density. The degradation efficiency of fipronil was further confirmed by GC-MS and FTIR spectroscopy. (C) 2015Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.