Comparison of photocatalytic degradation of Metronidazole from aqueous solutions using TiO2 and ZnO

Flagyl (Metronidazole) is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Theside effects may include: stomach pain, diarrhea; dizziness, loss of balance; vaginalitching or discharge; dry mouth etc. Metronidazole is introduced into water resources mainly throughhospital wastewater and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, the photocatalytic degradation ofMetronidazole (MNZ) were investigated in UV/TiO2 and UV/ZnO systems. The effect of keyoperating parameters, such as initial pH, catalyst dosage, UV radiation intensity, retention time as wellas the effect of initial MNZ concentration on mineralization extents were studied. The results of thestudy showed that the maximum removal efficiency of MNZ had been achieved more than of 85 % byUV/TiO2 and UV/ZnO at radiation intensity of 125 W/m2, at time of 180 min, pH of 10 and initialMNZ concentration of 80 mg/L. Also the observations clearly showed that the UV/TiO2 photocatalysisis more effective for MNZ and COD removal than UV/ZnO.

Keywords:

Photocatalytic process , Titanium oxide nanoparticle , Zinc oxide nanoparticle , Antibiotic