Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Reactor Design for Continuous Degradation of Industrial Textile Dye Effluents

Abstract

The discharge of untreated textile dye effluents into aquatic environments has emerged as a major environmental concern due to the presence of toxic, non-biodegradable, and chemically stable organic pollutants. This study presents the design and performance evaluation of a solar-driven photocatalytic reactor for the continuous degradation of industrial textile dye effluents under sustainable operating conditions. The proposed reactor system integrates solar energy utilization with advanced photocatalytic oxidation to enhance pollutant removal efficiency while reducing external energy consumption. A detailed reactor model was developed to analyze fluid flow behavior, catalyst interaction, solar irradiation distribution, and degradation kinetics during continuous operation. The photocatalytic process employed semiconductor-based catalysts capable of generating reactive oxidative species under solar illumination, enabling effective breakdown of complex dye molecules. Key operational parameters, including flow rate, catalyst concentration, irradiation intensity, and residence time, were investigated to determine their influence on degradation efficiency and reactor performance. Simulation and experimental evaluations demonstrated significant reductions in dye concentration, chemical oxygen demand, and color intensity, indicating efficient mineralization of organic contaminants. The reactor exhibited stable continuous operation with enhanced photocatalytic activity under optimized conditions, confirming its suitability for large-scale industrial wastewater treatment applications. Furthermore, the integration of renewable solar energy with photocatalytic treatment offers an environmentally sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional effluent treatment methods.