ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Treatment of cefixime-containing wastewater using ultrasound, H₂O_2, and sodium persulfate and antimicrobial analysis

Sarvesh Patel, Jyoti Sharma, Vitthal L. Gole, and Rajesh K. Yadav

Department of Chemical Engineering, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, India

E-mail: kaushikjyoti2002@gmail.com

Received: 22 October 2023  Accepted: 29 October 2024

Abstract:

Abstract

The present work investigated the degradation of cefixime (C₁₆H₁₅N₅O₇S₂) using a synergy of sonochemical effects with radical promoters, such as hydrogen peroxide and sodium persulfate. Complex hydrocarbon chain of cefixime degraded using different approaches viz, ultrasound + H₂O₂ (USH), ultrasound + sodium persulfate (USSP), and combined approach ultrasound + H₂O₂ + persulfate (USP). The oxidant dosing was 1:40, 1:50, and 1:20, and the percentage degradation was 74.2, 65.9, and 74.9 for USH, USSP, and USP, respectively. Kinetic rate analysis also supported the degradation results and was observed maximum for USP compared to USP and USSP. The time required for degradation using USP was half compared to other combinations. The pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constant for USP, USSP, and USP was 4.32, 5.32, and 8.40 min⁻¹. The effect of USSP was marginally higher than USH and USP. TOC removal was 53.2, 83.2, and 79.1% for USP, USSP, and USP, respectively. USSP was found to be useful for complete mineralization. Maximum survival of E. Coli. the strain was found in USH, USSP, and USP. Residual concentration of sulfate in treated sample was 19.5 mg/L confirmed treated samples which were non-toxic.

Graphical abstract

Keywords: Cephalosporin; TOC removal; Persulfate radicals; Hydroxyl radicals; Synergy

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-024-03781-z

Chemical Papers 79 (1) 303–311 (2025)