Amoxicillin (AMX) is a widely used penicillin-type antibiotic whose presence in the environment has been investigated. In this work, the degradation of the AMX (20mg.L<sup>-1</sup>) in aqueous solution by ozonation was investigated. This study included the pH effect (pH 11, 7 and 3) and the toxicity assessment. Total organic carbon (TOC) was investigated in the samples to compare the mineralization efficiency. During this study, complete amoxicillin degradation was obtained. However, low mineralization was achieved (intermediates formation). Alkaline solution had the highest TOC removal efficiency, achieving 60.40% in 60 minutes of reaction time – alkaline solutions provide more reactive oxidant species (hydroxyl radicals) than acid conditions (molecular ozone). Potential toxicity of the AMX intermediates formed after ozonation in alkaline solution (best result) were examined using a Fish Embryo Toxicity test (FET) (OECD 236) and it was concluded that none of the samples showed acute toxicity during the exposure period of 96 hours.

Degradation of amoxicillin in aqueous solution by ozonation: pH effect and toxicity assessment

251st National Meeting (2016)

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