Photocatalytic degradation of the antidepressant drug bupropion. Performance, water matrix effect and identification of transformation products

Abstract

The photocatalytic degradation of the antidepressant drug bupropion (BUP) has been studied using TiO2 as catalyst. Complete removal of the target compound is achieved within 90 min of treatment and the effect of various operational parameters like the catalyst dose, the initial concentration of the drug or the pH of the treated solution, have been evaluated. The influence of various inorganic or organic constituents usually present in natural waters like chloride or nitrate ions and humic acids respectively, was also investigated revealing a negative impact on the photocatalytic degradation process. Accordingly, the degradation of BUP was also evaluated in different water matrices like wastewater effluents or leachate exhibiting slower degradation kinetics. Finally, employing high-resolution mass spectrometry, 38 transformation products (TPs) have been identified 24 out of which have been presented for the first time herein.