Work

Assessment of photodegradation efficiency of selected antibiotics from WHO watch group in environmental samples

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The widespread presence of antimicrobials in aquatic ecosystems, driven by human and agricultural activities, poses significant challenges to the environment and human health, particularly by facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance.This study investigated the solar-driven photodegradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and vancomycin (VAN) in real municipal wastewater effluent, using TiO 2 -P25 and ZnO photocatalysts, with and without the addition of peroxymonosulfate (PMS).Experimental results demonstrate that CIP and VAN removal is significantly enhanced in the presence of PMS, achieving near-complete degradation within 5 minutes at a higher PMS concentration (200 mg L -1 ) across all tested processes.These finding underscore the potential of PMS activation through photolysis and photocatalysis as an advanced strategy for mitigating antibiotics in complex environmental matrices, offering promising avenues for sustainable wastewater treatment.Further research is recommended to explore degradation pathways and assess the ecotoxicity of post-process solutions.

Source: Journal of Ecological Engineering

DOI: 10.12911/22998993/200062

Authors: Paulina Sowik, Katarzyna Kowalska, Ewa Felis

Institution: Silesian University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced oxidation water treatment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $330