Anodic Degradation of Tetracycline in Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

The article investigated the process of electrochemical destruction of tetracycline on a platinum titanium electrode; the process is realized in a stationary cell with separated cathode and anode spaces. The oxidation process is carried out in the anode chamber, varying the current density in the range of 0.05--0.5 A/cm². It is established that at the initial concentration of the pollutant 10--60 mg/l, the degree of its oxidation reaches 85--90 %. This is acceptable for the initial treatment of highly concentrated wastewater containing tetracycline. Further post-treatment can be carried out by Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). It is proved that the kinetics of tetracycline electrooxidation in aqueous solutions can be described by a first-order equation. The process of electrooxidation proceeds at relatively low energy consumption, which allows it to be used as a pretreatment. A threefold decrease in chemical oxygen consumption after electrolysis indicates a fairly complete degree of mineralization of the pollutant. It is determined that the electrochemical oxidation of tetracycline occurs with the destruction of its aromatic system. This is confirmed by UV spectroscopy data. Relatively non-toxic carboxylic acids are formed as products of incomplete oxidation of an organic pollutant. Based on the conducted studies, it is concluded that anodic oxidation can be recommended for the treatment of water bodies with relatively high (10--100 mg/l) concentrations of tetracycline

The work was financially supported by the Russian Science Foundation (grant no. 23-23-00067)

Please cite this article in English as:

Kuzin E.N., Ivantsova N.A., Churina A.A., et al. Anodic degradation of tetracycline in aqueous solutions. Herald of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Series Natural Sciences, 2025, no. 3 (120), pp. 114--130 (in Russ.). EDN: POLIXK

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