Oxidative Removal of Tetracycline by Sono Fenton-like Oxidation Process in Aqueous Media

In the present study, the removal of tetracycline antibiotic was investigated using the Sono Fenton like oxidation and using magnetic nanoparticles Fe3O4 (MNPs) was prepared. By using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques, we tried to characterize the catalyst. Experimental parameters such as Fe3O4 MNP dose, initial solution pH, and H2O2 concentration, initial antibiotic concentration, and ultrasonic power were evaluated by one factor at a time method. The maximum removal of tetracycline was under the optimal conditions, including pH = 3, concentration of hydrogen peroxide = 5 mM, catalyst dosage = 500 mg/L, ultrasonic power = 500 watt and reaction time = 120 min. The results showed that TC and TOC removal efficiencies of 88.36% and 32.3%. Furthermore, Fe3O4 nanoparticles retained its activity and degradation efficiency remained even after four concessive cycles of use. According to the findings of this study, the advanced ultrasound/Fe3O4/H2O2 oxidation process has high potency in removing tetracycline antibiotics from aqueous solutions and real hospital wastewater.