Evaluation of Fenton Process for the Treatment of Antibiotics-Containing Wastewater: A Case Study

Author : Manalo, Via Nicole Torres
Major Adviser : Capunitan, Jewel A.
Committee Members : Carpio, Rowena B.; Migo, Veronica P.
Year : 2020
Month : July
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract

The presence of antibiotics in water poses risk to the environment due to ecotoxicity and development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR is when an antimicrobial loses effectiveness against microbes such as bacteria. Millions of deaths worldwide can be attributed to AMR and it has been recognized as a global threat by the World Health Organization (WHO). Antibiotics in wastewater cannot be treated by conventional methods in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) have shown potential for antibiotic degradation. Fenton process is an AOP that is simple to operate and moderately effective. Different kinds of Fenton process such as homogenous, heterogenous, electro-Fenton and photo-Fenton have been studied for degradation of antibiotics. This study aims to present the current situation of Fenton process for antibiotics, to identify current limitations and challenges and to recommend areas for future research. These objectives were met through review of existing studies. To effectively employ Fenton process in WWTPs, treatment should be optimized for efficient degradation at near-neutral pH. Different catalysts have shown ability to attain nearly complete degradation at near-neutral pH. Additionally, electro-Fenton, photo-Fenton and photoelectron-Fenton processes have shown more efficient degradation due to faster production of hydroxyl radicals. Addition of Mn and Ce in the catalyst also hastened Fe³⁺ reduction. Lastly, bio-electro-Fenton process and membrane filtration have shown efficient degradation, but still require further research for treatment of real wastewater at large-scale.

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