Norfloxacin degradation by a green carbon black-Ti/SnO2-Sb electrochemical system in saline water

• This work aims to degrade a typical antibiotic Norfloxacin (NOR) in saline water with a novel green carbon black based Ti/SnO2-Sb electrochemical catalysis system (TSSC), with Ti/SnO2-Sb as anode (TSSA) and a novel carbon black air diffusion electrode as cathode (CBAC). An electrochemical system with TSSA and a platinum carbon (Pt/C) cathode was used as control (TSSP). The removal ratio, degradation condition and the biodegradability were evaluated, the degradation pathway and mechanism were investigated. The result showed an efficient removal performance in both TSSC and TSSP systems. The removal ratio dropped with the lower current densities and higher initial pollutant loading. A considerable better removal performance was found in TSSC system, compared to that in TSSP system, when the low current density and saline concentration were applied. Meanwhile, 25.7% and 23.0% of COD removal ratios were obtained in TSSP and TSSC systems, respectively, in a short reaction time (25 min) and a very slight current density (0.18 mA cm−2). However, the TSSC showed a much more significant improvement of NOR biodegradability than that in TSSP system, indicating a considerable potential of TSSC system for both individual application and synergistic working with traditional biodegradation system for refractory antibiotics treatment.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Miljöbioteknik -- Vattenbehandling (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Biotechnology -- Water Treatment (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Electrochemical

Ti/SnO2-Sb anode

Carbon electrode

Air diffusion cathode

Norfloxacin

Saline water

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)