Kinetic degradation of amoxicillin by using the electro-Fenton process in the presence of a graphite rods from used batteries

This study reports the removal of amoxicillin (AMX) in aqueous media using the electro-Fenton process in the presence of a graphite cathode recovered from used batteries. The impact of the relevant parameters on the electro-Fenton process, namely the applied current intensity, the temperature, the initial concentration of AMX and the initial concentration of ferrous ions were investigated. The results showed that the optimal values were: I = 600 mA, T = 25 degrees C, [AMX](0) = 0.082 mmol.L-1 and [Fe2+] = 1 mmol.L-1, leading to 95% degradation and 74% mineralization. The model parameters of AMX mineralization were determined using nonlinear methods, showing that it follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic. The Energy consumption (EC) calculated under the optimal values was found to be 0.79 kW.h.g(-1), which was of the same order of magnitude of those reported in other findings; while it is noteworthy that the electrodes used in our study are of a lower cost. (C) 2021 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates the removal of amoxicillin in aqueous media using the electro-Fenton process with a graphite cathode recovered from used batteries. Optimal values for current intensity, temperature, initial AMX concentration, and initial ferrous ions concentration were determined, leading to high degradation and mineralization efficiencies. The study also found that the energy consumption under optimal conditions was comparable to previous findings, highlighting the cost effectiveness of the electrodes used.