Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Metronidazole Degradation Mechanism by Sono-Photo-Fenton Processes Using a Spinel Ferrite Cobalt on Activated Carbon Catalyst Publisher Pubmed



Kakavandi B1 ; Ahmadi M2 ; Bedia J3 ; Hashamfirooz M2 ; Naderi A4, 5 ; Oskoei V6 ; Yousefian H1 ; Rezaei Kalantary R4, 5 ; Dewil R9, 10
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, E-28049, Spain
  4. 4. Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Geelong, 3216, VIC, Australia
  7. 7. Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam
  8. 8. School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam
  9. 9. KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
  10. 10. University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom

Source: Chemosphere Published:2024


Abstract

A heterogeneous catalyst was prepared by anchoring spinel cobalt ferrite nanoparticles on porous activated carbon (SCF@AC). The catalyst was tested to activate hydrogen peroxide (HP) in the Fenton degradation of metronidazole (MTZ). SCF nanoparticles were produced through the co-precipitation of iron and cobalt metal salts in an alkaline condition. Elemental mapping, physico-chemical, morphological, structural, and magnetic properties of the as-fabricated catalyst were analyzed utilizing EDX mapping, FESEM-EDS, TEM, BET, XRD, and VSM techniques. The porous structure of AC enhanced the catalytic activity of SCF by a significant decrease in the agglomeration of SCF nanoparticles. The effectiveness of SCF@AC in Fenton degradation improved substantially when UV light and ultrasound (US) irradiations were induced, most likely due to the strong synergistic effect between the catalyst and these irradiation sources. The photo-Fenton system was more efficient than the Fenton, sono-, and sono-photo-Fenton processes eliminating both MTZ and TOC. It was found that AC not only dispersed SCF nanoparticles and improved the stability of the catalyst, but also provided a high adsorption capacity of MTZ, resulting in a faster degradation. After 60 min of the photo-Fenton reaction, the elimination efficiencies of MTZ (30 mg L−1) and TOC were 97 and 42.1% under optimum operational conditions (pH = 3.0, HP = 4.0 mM, SCF@AC = 0.3 g L−1, and UV = 6 W). SCF@AC showed excellent stability with low leaching of metal ions during the reaction. Radical and non-radical (O2•–, HO•, and 1O2 species), alongside adsorption and photocatalysis mechanisms, were responsible for MTZ decontamination over the SCF@AC/HP/UV system. A comprehensive study on the HP activation mechanism and MTZ degradation pathway was obtained through scavenging tests. The findings demonstrate that SCF@AC is an effective, reusable, and environmentally sustainable catalyst for advanced oxidation processes that can effectively remove organic pollutants from wastewater. This study offers valuable insights into the feasibility of employing SCF@AC catalysts in Fenton-based processes for the degradation of MTZ. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd