Alternative approaches for amoxicillin removal from water fenton s oxidation versus sorption by almond shell ashes
LEPABE Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Abstract
This study was developed to compare from technical and economic point of view the treatment of amoxicillin (AMOX) aqueous solution by Fenton s oxidation and adsorption with almond shell ashes. In order to degrade ppb levels of amoxicillin, the optimal conditions were obtained for both processes and each was able to totally degrade/remove the antibiotic (Fenton process: [AMOX]0 = 450 g L-1, pH = 3.5, T = 40 C, H2O2/AMOX molar ratio = 56, H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio = 41; Adsorption process: [AMOX]0 = 450 g L-1, pH = 6.5, T = 20 C, 50 mg adsorbent.). Fenton s oxidation exhibited higher removal rates than sorption (total removal achieved after 90 min by Fenton and 300 min by adsorption). In addition, costs associated with Fenton s reagent consumption are about 10 times lower than sorption. Therefore, Fenton process seems to be the most cost-effective treatment.
Keywords
amoxicillin; adsorption; Fenton's oxidation; remediation