Advanced oxidation of amoxicillin by Fenton's reagent treatment

Advanced oxidation of amoxicillin was realized in aqueous solution by using Fenton's reagent treatment. Box–Behnken statistical experiment design was used to determine the effects of reagent concentrations on amoxicillin degradation and mineralization. Amoxicillin (10–200 mg L −1), hydrogen peroxide (10–500 mg L −1) and Fe(II) (0–50 mg L −1) concentrations were considered as independent variables in batch oxidation experiments. Percent amoxicillin and total organic carbon (TOC) removals (mineralization) were considered as the objective functions to be maximized. Required reaction times were 2.5 min and 15 min, respectively for degradation and mineralization of amoxicillin. Both peroxide and amoxicillin concentrations affected the extent of amoxicillin degradation and mineralization. Complete amoxicillin degradation was obtained within 2.5 min while 37% mineralization took place within 15 min. The optimum peroxide/Fe/amoxicillin ratio resulting in complete amoxicillin degradation and 37% mineralization was 255/25/105 mg L −1.