Iron mediated processes for the degradation of emerging contaminants

Abstract

This project is based on the study of the degradation of different therapeutic classes of pharmaceuticals using the photo-Fenton process and metalic iron. The degradation of the pharmaceuticals fluoxetine, sertraline, ciprofloxacin and 17beta-estradiol will be studied in conditions near to those found in the environment, as low concentrations and in the presence of the effluent of sewage treatment plant. The influence of complexing agents (EDTA, citrate and ferrioxalate) and/or hydroxyl radical scavenging (carbonate and cloride), as well as medium pH for the degradation of the pharmaceuticals will be evaluated and compared for both treatment processes. (AU)