Optimization of sonochemical decomposition of ciprofloxacin antibiotic in US/PS/nZVI process by CCD-RSM method

There is an increasing interest in the use of advanced oxidation process to remove antibiotic resistant compounds. The aim of this study was to optimize ciprofloxacin antibiotic decomposition in the US/PS/nZVI process using the CCD-RSM. In fixed radiation ultrasound waves with 40 KHz frequency, the influence of independent parameters such as pH of the solution, PS, and nZVI concentrations were examined in the decomposition of ciprofloxacin with a concentration of 50 mg/L in all cases. The synergy of decomposition and impact of retention time was determined after process optimization. Nanoparticles of zero valent iron were synthesized by sodium borohydride reduction. The results showed that initial pH was the most effective parameter at determined optimal values. In initial concentration of COD (195 mg/L equivalent to 50 mg/L of the antibiotic), concentration of PS and nZVI were 1200 mg/L and 120mg/L, respectively. Under these conditions, the observed removal efficiency was 57% after 60 min. For the US/PS/nZVI, synergy of decomposition was about 42.55% in optimal conditions. Almost 94% of COD was removed as a result of retention in optimal conditions after 180 min. The results of this study confirmed an acceptable performance of the US/PS/nZVI as an advanced oxidation process for ciprofloxacin decomposition.