Adsorptive–Photocatalytic Performance for Antibiotic and Personal Care Product Using Cu_0.5Mn_0.5Fe₂O₄

Authors

Chanat Chokejaroenrat, Kasetsart University
Chainarong Sakulthaew, Kasetsart University
Athaphon Angkaew, Kasetsart University
Apiladda Pattanateeradetch, Kasetsart University
Wuttinun Raksajit, Kasetsart University
Kanokwan Teingtham, Kasetsart University
Piyaporn Phansak, Nakhon Phanom University
Pawee Klongvessa, Kasetsart University
Daniel D. Snow, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow
Clifford E. Harris, Albion College
Steven Comfort, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

7-5-2023

Citation

Chokejaroenrat, C.; Sakulthaew, C.; Angkaew, A.; Pattanateeradetch, A.; Raksajit, W.; Teingtham, K.; Phansak, P.; Klongvessa, P.; Snow, D.D.; Harris, C.E.; et al. Adsorptive–Photocatalytic Performance for Antibiotic and Personal Care Product Using Cu0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4. Antibiotics 2023, 12, 1151. https://doi.org/10.3390/ antibiotics12071151

Comments

Open access.

Abstract

The amount of antibiotics and personal care products entering local sewage systems and ultimately natural waters is increasing and raising concerns about long-term human health effects. We developed an adsorptive photocatalyst, Cu_0.5Mn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles, utilizing co-precipitation and calcination with melamine, and quantified its efficacy in removing paraben and oxytetracycline (OTC). During melamine calcination, Cu_0.5Mn_0.5Fe₂O₄ recrystallized, improving material crystallinity and purity for the adsorptive–photocatalytic reaction. Kinetic experiments showed that all four parabens and OTC were removed within 120 and 45 min. We found that contaminant adsorption and reaction with active radicals occurred almost simultaneously with the photocatalyst. OTC adsorption could be adequately described by the Brouers–Sotolongo kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models. OTC photocatalytic degradation started with a series of reactions at different carbon locations (i.e., decarboxamidation, deamination, dehydroxylation, demethylation, and tautomerization). Further toxicity testing showed that Zea mays L. and Vigna radiata L. shoot indexes were less affected by treated water than root indexes. The Zea mays L. endodermis thickness and area decreased considerably after exposure to the 25% (v/v)-treated water. Overall, Cu_0.5Mn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles exhibit a remarkable adsorptive–photocatalytic performance for the degradation of tested antibiotics and personal care products.