Evaluation of Sono-photocatalytic Removal of Ciprofloxacin Antibiotic Using Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles from Aqueous Solutions

Objectives: The entry of antibiotics into surface and groundwater will cause problems in the environment. This study aimed to investigate the removal efficiency of ciprofloxacin (CFX) from aqueous solutions using the sonophotocatalytic process of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles (MgO). Materials and Methods: This study is an experimental-laboratory study performed in a reactor with a discontinuous system. In this study, the effect of parameters such as solution pH, MgO dose, reaction time in two processes, photocatalyst and sonocatalyst, initial concentration of antibiotic and the power of UV lamps in the photocatalytic reactor at ultrasonic frequencies of 35 and 130 kHz on the reduction of CFX in aqueous solution was investigated. Results: The results showed that the process of photosonocatalysis with MgO can effectively lead to the removal of the antibiotic CFX. In the process of using a photosonocatalyst with a pH of 7 and ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 35 kHz and an optimal time of 30 min, 0.3 g/L of MgO, CFX concentration of 150 mg/l, UV lamp with a power of 30 watts and the optimal irradiation time of 60 min was obtained as the optimal variables in the removal of CFX antibiotic. Conclusion: The results showed that the photosonocatalytic process with the help of MgO is an effective and efficient method to remove the CFX antibiotic from aqueous solutions.