ZrO2@chitosan composite for simultaneous photodegradation of three emerging contaminants and antibacterial application

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are often detected in water bodies due to their prevalent use combined with inefficiency of the conventional wastewater treatment plants for their complete removal. Elimination of ECs using photocatalysis as a tertiary treatment can be a sustainable option for the reuse wastewater. Reported herewith is a photocatalyst, chitosan-based zirconia hybrid composite (ZrO2CTS-HC) for the individual/ simultaneous degradation of multiple ECs like Congo red (CR), Methyl orange (MO) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HA) under visible light irradiation. Successfully synthesized ZrO2CTS-HC as confirmed by theoretical and various characterization techniques depicted photodegradation efficiency of 91.11, 69.11 and 78.40% for CR, MO and 4-HA respectively (SD 0.5-0.95; HPLC) aided by the reactive hydroxyl radical. Probable degradation mechanism supported by LC-MS/MS, COD and TOC along with reusability and antibacterial ability towards E.Coli & S.aureus is also reported. ZrO2CTS-HC can be a good option for elimination of residual ECs during tertiary treatment.