Processes, Vol. 13, Pages 3234: Hybrid Solar Photoelectro-Fenton and Ozone Processes for the Sustainable Removal of COVID-19 Pharmaceutical Contaminants

Processes doi: 10.3390/pr13103234

Authors:
Sonia Herrera-Chávez
Martin Pacheco-Álvarez
Luis A. Godínez
Enric Brillas
Juan M. Peralta-Hernández

This study explores a hybrid advanced electrochemical oxidation process (EAOP) intensified by solar irradiation and ozone for the treatment of wastewater containing COVID-19-related pharmaceuticals. Pilot-scale trials were performed in a 30 L compound parabolic collector (CPC)-type photoreactor with a boron-doped diamond (BDD–BDD) electrode configuration. Under optimal conditions (50 mg L−1 paracetamol, 0.05 M Na2SO4, 0.50 mM Fe2+, pH 3.0, and 60 mA cm−2), the solar photoelectro-Fenton (SPEF) process achieved 78% chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction within 90 min, with catechol and phenol detected as the main aromatic intermediates. When applied to a four-drug mixture (dexamethasone, paracetamol, amoxicillin, and azithromycin), the solar photoelectro-Fenton (SPEF–ozone (O3)) system reached 60% degradation and 41% COD removal under solar conditions. The results highlight the synergistic effect of ozone and solar energy in enhancing the electrochemical oxidation process (EAOP) performance and demonstrate the potential of these processes for scalable and sustainable removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from wastewater.

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