Use of photo-fenton for macrolide antibiotic azithromycin removal

Abstract

Azithromycin (AZT) is one of the most used antibiotics worldwide. This has led to its introduction into different environmental compartments, which implies that conventional technologies used in wastewater treatment are not enough to remove this kind of pollutants. Photo-Fenton is an advanced oxidation process in which ferrous ions (Fe2+), under light radiation, catalyzes H2O2 decomposition generating hydroxyl free radicals (HO•) which have the potential to oxidize different organic molecules. In this way, this study presents the main results regarding the evaluation of photo-Fenton using simulated sunlight in the removal of AZT from aqueous solutions. The effects of operational parameters such as ferrous ions and hydrogen peroxide initial concentrations were assessed. In addition, some tests were carried out in order to evaluate the extent of pollutant mineralization considering the dissolved organic carbon and the nitrate ions presence on treated samples. In general, results indicated that Fe2+ and H2O2 initial concentrations have a significant effect on pollutant removal.