Papers Published

1. Shemer, Hilla and Kunukcu, Yasemin Kacar and Linden, Karl G., Degradation of the pharmaceutical Metronidazole via UV, Fenton and photo-Fenton processes, Chemosphere, vol. 63 no. 2 (2006), pp. 269 - 276 [029] .
   (last updated on 2007/04/09)

   Abstract:
   Degradation rates and removal efficiencies of Metronidazole using UV, UV/H₂O₂, H₂O₂/Fe²⁺, and UV/H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ were studied in de-ionized water. The four different oxidation processes were compared for the removal kinetics of the antimicrobial pharmaceutical Metronidazole. It was found that the degradation of Metronidazole by UV and UV/H₂O₂ exhibited pseudo-first order reaction kinetics. By applying H₂O ₂/Fe²⁺, and UV/H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ the degradation kinetics followed a second order behavior. The quantum yields for direct photolysis, measured at 254 nm and 200-400 nm, were 0.0033 and 0.0080 mol E^-1, respectively. Increasing the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide promoted the oxidation rate by UV/ H₂O₂. Adding more ferrous ions enhanced the oxidation rate for the H₂O ₂/Fe²⁺ and UV/H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ processes. The major advantages and disadvantages of each process and the complexity of comparing the various advanced oxidation processes on an equal basis are discussed.

   Keywords:
   Chemicals removal (water treatment);Degradation;Reaction kinetics;Oxidation;Photolysis;Ultraviolet radiation;