Removal of Dexamethasone from Aqueous Solutions using Sono-Nanocatalysis Process

Abstract

Degradation of dexamethasone (DEX) was investigated using nano-scaled Zero-Valent Iron (nZVI) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and ultrasound (US). The experiments were performed in different variables such as pH, nZVI dose, H2O2 concentration, DEX concentration and ultrasonic frequency. Maximum removal (92%) was obtained at pH: 4, nZVI: 0.3 g LG1, H2O2: 1.5 mmol, DEX: 15 mg LG1 and US: 140 kHz. The pH was one of the most important factor influencing the process, also, determining the optimal dose of hydrogen peroxide had to be considered. In this study, degradation reaction kinetics of DEX and efficiency of the removal of COD were investigated in synthetic and actual wastewater.