Engineered metal-organic framework photocatalyst for efficient M. Aeruginosa removal under variable environmental conditions.

Despite extensive efforts to control cyanobacterial blooms, effective and sustainable mitigation remains challenging. Herein, a copper (Cu2+)-modified nanocomposite (CGU) of g-C3N4 and UIO-66-NH2 was synthesized using a hydrothermal method. This material potentially overcomes the limitations of visible-light utilization and electron-hole recombination in photocatalytic processes. Compared to the control without CGU, CGU-dosed treatments exhibited a 53.6% ∼ 73.6% increase in algal removal efficiency, due to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion (O2̇-) and hydroxyl radical (·OH). However, prolonged photocatalysis with CGU was required to effectively degrade microcystins (MC-LR). The CGU@PS exhibited superior capacity for algal blooms control in low-temperature, saline-alkali, and dissolved organic matters (DOM)-rich environments. These findings underscore the photocatalytic mechanisms that disrupt algal photosynthesis and metabolism, offering valuable insights for optimizing photocatalytic technologies and protecting aquatic ecosystems.