Oxidation of ubiquitous aqueous pharmaceuticals with pulsed corona discharge

Aqueous pharmaceuticals present an emerging environmental problem for their potent character. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) present efficacious abatement strategy, being, however, unaffordable in mass application. Energy efficient gas-phase pulsed corona discharge was experimentally studied for oxidation of aqueous ibuprofen, diclofenac, metformin and tramadol showing the energy yields of 53, 21, 15 and 89 g kW-1 h-1, respectively, at 10 mg L-1 initial concentrations, surpassing other AOPs. Impacts of alkaline pH and starting concentrations on oxidation energy efficiency are beneficial to various extents to all considered pharmaceuticals. The removal efficiency was found to correlate with molecular structure and hydrophobicity of medications.

Automated summary

The study experimentally investigated the energy-efficient gas-phase pulsed corona discharge for the oxidation of aqueous pharmaceuticals, showing promising results for ibuprofen, diclofenac, metformin, and tramadol. The oxidation energy efficiency was found to be influenced by alkaline pH, starting concentrations, and the molecular structure and hydrophobicity of the medications. The gas-phase pulsed corona discharge method demonstrated higher energy yields compared to other advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).