Removal of an anti-inflammatory drug using ZnO-supported coffee waste under UV irradiation

Coffee wastes doped with ZnO nanoparticles were applied to eliminate ibuprofen (Ib) under UV irradiations. Moreover, the influence of different parameters on photo-degradation of Ib, in water solution, was studied (it means: the initial pH of Ib solution, the quantum of CA-ZnO, the Ib concentration). The photocatalytic treatment of ibuprofen was monitored using HPLC and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Hence, the kinetic study of this photodegradation has been performed by applying the method described by Gabor Lente. Therefore, a good ibuprofen elimination efficiency (90%) has been observed under UV 254nm irradiations for 90 min using 20 mg/L of pollutant and 0.25 g/L of photocatalyst. Knowing that these results have been obtained in acidic medium; in the range of pH = 4.5.