On Piroxicam degradation by homogeneous Fenton’s reaction and the influence of iron cations complexation

Abstract

Piroxicam is a potent anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drug, which also has a protective action against different oxidative agents. Nevertheless, it also induces adverse side effects and it is considered as new emerging contaminant. An advanced oxidation process, Fenton chemistry, was chosen as a possible alternative for the degradation of Piroxicam in aqueous solution. Although Piroxicam is capable of complexing iron(II) and iron(III) metallic ions, it was found that the complexation does not prevent the development of Fenton’s reaction. The fundamental parameters of the Fenton process were determined by UV–vis spectrophotometry. Initial concentrations of iron(II) and hydrogen peroxide for the optimal degradation of the substrate at pH 3.0 are 3.69⋅10−4 mol L-1 and 0.53 mol L-1, respectively.