Ferrate (VI) as efficient oxidant for elimination of sulfamethazine in aqueous wastes: Real matrix implications

Abstract

The presence of antibiotics in aquatic environments has become a serious concern since they develop the antibiotic/multi-drug-resistant bacteria which further affect to living beings. The study intended to assess the freshly synthesized ferrate (VI) in the degradation of an important emerging micro-pollutant i.e., sulfamethazine (SMZ). Moreover, the real matrix implications are extensively conducted for implication of ferrate (VI) technology as safer and viable options. Batch reactor studies enabled the molar ratio of ferrate (VI) to sulfamethazine is 2:1 with overall rate constant 6,128 mM-2.min-1. Percentage elimination of sulfamethazine was observed Ca. 80% at initial sulfamethazine concentration 0.02 mM and ferrate (VI) dose 0.1 mM. Presence of several co-ions NaCl, Na2HPO4, NaNO3, oxalic acid and NaNO2 showed insignificant effect on elimination of sulfamethazine; whereas the efficiency of ferrate (VI) was lowered due to glycine and EDTA. Mineralization of sulfamethazine is significantly increased at lower pH value (pH 5.0). Further, the removal of sulfamethazine in the real water matrix showed that the elimination efficiency of sulfamethazine is almost unaffected as compared to the distilled water treatment. This implied that ferrate (VI) is a viable and greener option for treatment of emerging water pollutants to enhance the efficiency of existing wastewater treatment plants.