Photocatalytic degradation of hydroxychloroquine using ZnO supported on clinoptilolite zeolite

The objective of this work was to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide catalysts supported on natural zeolite clinoptilolite for photocatalytic degradation of the drug hydroxychloroquine, used in the treatment of malaria and which has been tested in the treatment of COVID-19. To synthesize 10%ZnOCP and 15%ZnOCP catalysts, the wet impregnation methodology was used. The raw and synthesized catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, XRF, BET, DRS, PCZ, FT-IR and PL. The degradation of hydroxychloroquine was calculated using UV-vis absorption from the samples before and after the photocatalytic process. The maximum percentage of degradation (96%) was obtained with the operational parameters of C-0 = 10 mg L-1; C-cat = 2 g L-1 of 15%ZnOCP; pH = 7.5; UV-A radiation. Ecotoxicological tests against the bioin-dicators Lactuca sativa and Artemia salina confirmed the reduction of effluent toxicity after treatment.

Automated summary

The study aimed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide catalysts supported on natural zeolite clinoptilolite for degrading hydroxychloroquine. The highest degradation percentage was achieved under specific operational parameters, and ecotoxicological tests confirmed the reduction of effluent toxicity after photocatalytic treatment.