Enhanced Degradation of Tetracycline by the O۳/H۲O۲ Process: Efficiency, Biodegradability, and Toxicity Assessment

Introduction: Antibiotics are among the most persistent pollutants in aquatic environments, posing ecological and health risks. This study evaluated the degradation of tetracycline in aqueous solutions using ozone-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Methods: Ozone (O۳), O۳/UV, and O۳/H۲O۲ systems were compared under varying operational conditions in a batch reactor. The effects of pH, oxidant dosage, and reaction time on degradation efficiency were assessed. Biotoxicity and biodegradability changes were monitored using E. coli inhibition and the BOD۵/COD ratio. Results: The O۳/H۲O۲ system achieved the highest degradation efficiency (۹۹.۲%) and improved wastewater biodegradability (BOD۵/COD = ۰.۶۷). In contrast, single ozonation achieved ۶۹.۲% removal. The combination of ozone and hydrogen peroxide significantly reduced effluent toxicity, lowering E. coli inhibition by ۶.۳۴%. Conclusion: The synergistic O۳/H۲O۲ process demonstrated superior performance in tetracycline removal and detoxification, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and effective pre-treatment for pharmaceutical wastewater.

کلیدواژه ها:

Ozone ، Tetracycline ، Hydrogen peroxide ، Oxidation-reduction