Abstract
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a pharmacologically active compound. In this study, ASA was decomposed effectively using a plasma in liquid phase process with hydrogen peroxide and TiO2 photocatalyst. Increasing the electrical power conditions (frequency, applied voltage, and pulse width) promoted plasma generation, which increased the rate of ASA decomposition. The added hydrogen peroxide increased the rate of ASA degradation, but injecting an excess decreased the degradation rate due to a scavenger effect. Although there was an initial increase in the decomposition efficiency by the addition of TiO2 powder, the addition of an excessive amount inhibited the generation of plasma and decreased the degradation rate. The simultaneous addition of H2O2 and TiO2 powder resulted in the highest degradation efficiency. We suggest that ASA is converted to salicylic acid through demethylation by hydroxyl radicals and is finally mineralized to carbon dioxide and water via 2,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid and low molecular acids.
Highlights
In modern society, pharmaceutical organic compounds (POCs) are released into the aquatic environment without appropriate treatment
The change in the hydroxyl radicals generated under each electrical power condition was measured by an optical emission spectrometer (OES); the results are shown on the right side of Figure 1
H2 O2 added to the plasma in liquid process (PiLP) reactor increased the rate of Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) decomposition, but more than a certain amount of injection reduced the rate of decomposition by the scavenger effect
Summary
Pharmaceutical organic compounds (POCs) are released into the aquatic environment without appropriate treatment. These drugs and their resulting intermediates can cause a range of health and environmental problems [1,2]. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), known as aspirin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for pain relief [3]. Aspirin is used widely as an antipyretic agent and an anti-inflammatory to treat fever and heart attacks, but high doses can have undesirable side effects, such as gastrointestinal ulcers, gastric bleeding, and tinnitus [4]. Exposure to aquatic environments can lead to its degradation to a range of toxic intermediates in aqueous media, which can cause environmental pollution and adversely affect human health.
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