Degradation of ciprofloxacin by green cobalt oxide quantum dots

Ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic extensively used to treat various bacterial infections. The extensive use of CIPRO has promoted its accumulation in diverse aquatic environments as an emergent pollutant. Concentrations of CIPRO found in surface and ground waters and sea vary from ng to mg/L and represent a real risk for the rise of new resistant bacterial strains. The complex and stable chemical CIPRO structure is not favorable for biological degradation. However, magnetic Co3O4 quantum dots (Co3O4 QDs) with 5 nm of mean diameter synthesized using biomolecules from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seed extract were efficient in promoting photodegradation of this emergent pollutant under UV irradiation. UV–visible and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry corroborated CIPRO degradation. The photodegradation using UV light in the presence of Co3O4 QDs was the more efficient strategy to impair the bactericidal action of CIPRO and, consequently, avoid the development of bacteria-resistant strains. The Co3O4 QDs are a low-cost, efficient, and green option for CIPRO degradation.