Photocatalytic removal of acetamiprid insecticide using <scp> Mn _0.802 Fe _0.198 O </scp> prepared by co‐precipitation under <scp>UV</scp> light

Abstract Insecticides, commonly applied in agriculture, pose a risk of contaminating water sources, including drinking water, and can have harmful impacts on both human health and the environment. When spread on land, these substances seep into the ground and contaminate the groundwater. This pollution affects water quality and requires further treatment. This study focuses on the synthesis of a mixed oxide composed of manganese and iron (Mn 0.802 Fe 0.198 O), which is a particularly effective photocatalyst. The characteristics of the materials prepared in this study were investigated using powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDX), nitrogen sorption analysis, solid‐state UV–visible spectroscopy, and FTIR. This study examined the degradation efficiency of a synthesized photocatalyst for the degradation of a water‐contaminating insecticide. The effects of concentration of pollutant, catalyst quantity, and pH over time were explored. The results showed that Mn 0.802 Fe 0.198 O had converted nearly 100% of insecticide under UV light with optimum operating conditions of 0.25 g L −1 of photocatalyst, acid pH (pH = 3), and 1 g L −1 of insecticide; a kinetic study was also realized with a constant reaction rate equal to k app = 0.051 ± 0.004 min −1 .