High efficient degradation of Cefixime using UV/TiO2 photocatalytic process: A comparison between photocatalytic and photolytic

Introduction: The existence of pharmaceuticals in aquatic ecosystem, their persistenceand possible effects on living organisms and inefficient systems in removal of thesecompounds from water and wastewater are a growing concern. In this research, theUV/TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of Cefixime was investigated so as to identify if thismethod was efficient for removal of Cefixime or not.Methods: The experimental parameters like as primary concentration of Cefixime,catalyst dosage, solution pH and time were assessed and optimized. The photocatalyticanalysis was based on residual Cefixime identification by HPLC. The chromatographicconditions were comprised of a reversed‐phase C18 column with mobile phase consistingof 45:55 v/v mixture of Acetonitrile: water.Results: The optimum removal efficiency for Cefixime was obtained after 60 min(90.98%) when 1 mg/L TiO2 was used at pH=3. The increase of catalyst concentrationfrom 1 to 70 mg/L led to a decrease in degradation efficiency.Conclusion: According to results, UV/TiO2 process could be a promisingtechnique for the removal of Cefixime with good efficiency in a relatively shortreaction time

Keywords:

Cefixime , Removal , HPLC , Photocatalytic