Synthesis and characterization of γ-Fe2O3 encapsulated NaY zeolites as solid adsorbent for degradation of ceftriaxone through heterogeneous catalytic advanced oxidation processes

Abstract

The degradation of ceftriaxone (CTX) by heterogeneous catalytic advanced oxidation processes has been explored using γ-Fe2O3 NaY zeolites synthesized (γ-Fe2O3@NaY) in the laboratory through hydrothermal and chemical co-precipitation methods. γ-Fe2O3@NaY zeolite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer analyses. The effects of the initial concentration of CTX and catalyst, pH and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dose with the presence UV light on the degradation efficiency of CTX have been studied by conducting experiments in a batch reactor at room temperature. Experimental results reveal that CTX can be efficiently removed after 90 min at pH 4.0, CTX 20 mg/L, catalyst 1.17 g/L, H2O2 30 mM and presence of UV light. A kinetic and isotherm model was developed for investigation of the adsorption mechanism, and results show that model and data are in good agreement. The reusability of γ-Fe2O3@NaY was high as it degrades CTX in the presence of UV light and H2O2 even after five consecutive cycles. Also, due to having magnetic properties, this composite is easily separated from the solution by magnetism. This work indicates that bench synthesized γ-Fe2O3 NaY zeolite is a heterogeneous recoverable catalyst that can efficiently remove CTX from wastewater.