Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of the pharmaceutical agent salbutamol in aqueous titanium dioxide suspensions

摘要: Abstract The present paper deals with the photocatalytic transformation of salbutamol [2-( tert -butylamino)-1-(4-hydroxyl-3-hydroxymethylphenyl)ethanol] under simulated solar irradiation using titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst. investigation has involved kinetic study drug decomposition, identification intermediate compounds, assessment mineralization, well toxicity evaluation. variation TiO 2 concentration and pH on reaction rate was investigated. use response surface methodology allowed to fit optimal values parameters leading degradation micro-pollutant. High resolution mass spectrometry employed in assessing temporal course photocatalyzed process. According our findings, tentative pathway is proposed for based formation both oxidative reductive compounds. 2-(Methylamino)-1-(4-hydroxyl-3-methylphenyl)ethanol, 2-( -butylamino)-1-(4-hydroxylphenyl)ethanol, -butylamino)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethanol, -butylamino)-1-(4-hydroxyl-3-methylphenyl)ethanol, -butylamino)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethanone are initially formed, which then transformed into -butylamino)-acetic acid hydroquinone. All these intermediates easily degraded themselves until 2 h only compound recognized endure. Photomineralization substrate rather quick process; within nitrogen completely mineralized, where amino moiety mainly NH 4 + lesser extent NO 3 − ions (ratio 2:1). Carbon complete mineralization achieved 3 h irradiation. Finally, Microtox bioassay ( Vibrio fischeri ) evaluating ecotoxicity solutions treated by photocatalysis.