Work

Low toxicity mechanistic insights into Z-scheme WO3/BiFeO3/DSB photocatalysts for efficient ampicillin degradation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ampicillin (AMP) poses a significant environmental hazard to aquatic ecosystems, and previous research has been inadequate in addressing the ecological toxicity of its byproducts. A novel photocatalyst, WO 3 -BiFeO 3 /digestate biochar (DSB), denoted WBD, was synthesized for efficient photocatalytic degradation of AMP. In our study, 150 mg WBD achieved 99.93% AMP degradation in 3 h at a concentration of 100 mg/L. WBD maintained a stable degradation performance under various environmental stressors, including pH, and the presence of Cl − , NO 3 − , and HA. •O 2 − , h + , •OH, and 1 O 2 were identified as primary active oxygen species. WBD effectively targeted the -NH 2 , -SH, and β-lactam ring-forming -COOH of AMP, facilitating its transformation into low-toxic or non-toxic degradation products, and establishing a detoxification pathway. Overall, this study introduces a novel environmentally material that demonstrates a high degradation efficiency, long-lasting effectiveness, and low product toxicity, offering a promising approach for the effective management of emerging pollutants.

Source: npj Clean Water

DOI: 10.1038/s41545-025-00442-w