UPV Theses and Dissertations
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Item Photodegradation of methylene blue in aqueous media using TIO2 -based heterogeneous photocatalysts under natural lightBernido, Julidyn P. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2015-06)This study developed two heterogeneous TiO2-based photocatalysts: pure TiO2 and Fe-doped TiO2 (Fe-TiO2). Heterogeneous catalysts were prepared by coating TiO2 and Fe-TiO2 powder on glass beads. The photocatalytic activity of both heterogeneous photocatalysts were studied by photodegradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under two pH conditions (6 and 9) and two ionic concentration conditions (0 and 38 ppt). The Fe-TiO2 powder contained minimal amount (2.245%) of Fe as expected. However, surface functionality and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) profile of both TiO2 and Fe-TiO2 powder were very similar indicating that doping did not alter these properties. Between the two heterogeneous catalysts prepared, the amount of Fe-TiO2 catalyst coated on glass beads was lower compared to pure TiO2. The removal of methylene blue was significantly affected by ionic concentration which removal is higher at lower ionic concentration (0 ppt). Although it appeared that the removal of methylene blue was higher at pH 9, statistical analyses revealed that the effect was not significant. In addition, the removal of methylene blue by the two catalysts were significantly different. Heterogeneous photocatalyst based on pure TiO2 showed higher removal of methylene blue in all pH and ionic concentration. Moreover, no interactive effects between variables were observed. Lastly, the blank showed no significant difference on the removal of methylene blue with the heterogeneous photocatalysts which suggest that degradation by direct photolysis from sunlight could be the reason for this result.Item Does a coral reef enhance the productivity of its surrounding waters?Peñafiel, Christen P. (University of the Philippines Visayas, 2019-06)Coral reefs have long been assumed and continually claimed to be origins of very high productivity, but how they attract organisms from and export nutrients to their neighboring waters remains largely unknown. Specifically, this study aimed at determining the space-time dynamics of nutrients and biomass redistribution around Hibotkan Rock Sanctuary (HRS), Banate, Iloilo, a sanctuary reef established by Municipal Fisheries Ordinance No. 12 covering an area of 25 ha. Twelve (12) sampling stations were established for space-time nutrient profiling, phytoplankton count, and supplementary measurements of water parameters, and four (4) stations for fish (biomass) visual survey. Results were analyzed using spatio-temporal plots and the Pearson correlation matrix (5% significant level). Nitrite was observed to be limiting, while nitrate was the most abundant in the waters of HRS. The predominant temporal variations of nutrients followed the flood tide (FT) and ebb tide (ET) cycles. In general, the tidal current direction appeared to control the redistribution of the nutrients (NO3-, NO2-, PO43-, and SiO44-). This study further revealed that stations of high nutrient concentration usually coincided with low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO). Species of fish observed were all indigenous and well-known inhabitants of the coral reefs. Furthermore, no other families of fishes (such as those of commercial value) were caught on record. Overall, there was no clear indication of import or export of living biomass in the HRS area. It can be inferred from the results that the fabled high productivity of coral reefs has no clear scientific basis; consequently, the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) concept also appears to have no solid foundation.
