Optimization of Fenton treatment of amoxicillin and cloxacillin antibiotic aqueous solution

Response surface methodology was used to optimize the Fenton treatment of amoxicillin and cloxacillin antibiotic aqueous solution. Under optimum operating conditions (hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/chemical oxygen demand (COD) molar ratio 2, H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio 76, and reaction time 90 min at pH 3), 78.98, 72.96, and 81.18% removal of COD, total organic carbon, and ammonia-nitrogen, respectively were achieved. Experimental removal efficiency and model prediction were in close agreement (<0.4% error). Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated degradation of the beta-lactam bond of the antibiotics. Biodegradability (BOD5/COD ratio) improved from zero to 0.33, indicating that Fenton treated antibiotic aqueous solution was amenable to biological treatment.