Ultrasonic TiO2 solar photodecomposition and biocarbon sorption processes to remove amoxicillin and cephalexin from binary systems

Abstract

The cephalexin (CEPH) and amoxicillin (AMOX) antibiotics are the most indicated in the medical prescriptions in Brazil, as the antibiotics used for public health assistance and also for veterinary medicine. Nowadays Brazil is a higher protein animal producer in the world. After the metabolization, the antibiotics discharge in the sewage system and manure composition on rural areas; act as secondary pollution sources for surface water resources. The integrated processes applying the ultrasonic source before the solar photodecomposition and biosorption showed the maximum removal percentage of 91.47% for AMOX and 90.62% for CEPH. Considering the binary systems with the 17:83 proportion percentages of AMOX and CEPH the removal percentage was 89.15% and 97.90% respectively. The use of low-frequency ultrasonic waves before the solar photodecomposition increased the TiO2 surface area and effectiveness and enhanced the removal efficiency for both cephalexin and amoxicillin alone and in binary mixtures.