Trials on ciprofloxacin removal from wastewater using a photocatalytic membrane reactor

Abstract

Trials on ciprofloxacin removal from real aqueous systems were performed using a photocatalytic membrane reactor with catalyst in suspension. Four sets of four treatment cycles were carried out and experimental results were processed from the statistical point of view in order to assess results reproducibility. Global ciprofloxacin removal efficiencies of more than 99.85% were obtained for all treatment cycles. Coupling of photocatalytic degradation with membrane process allowed catalyst separation and reuse within further treatment cycles. Statistical analyse of experimental data recommend the use of photocatalytic membrane reactors as a feasible option for the advanced removal of pharmaceutical products like ciprofloxacin from real wastewater systems.

Keywords

• ciprofloxacin
• photocatalytic membrane reactor
• photo catalyse
• membrane