Cephalexin removal by persulfate activation using simulated sunlight and ferrous ions

Abstract This study presents the main results related to the use of activated persulfate (PS) in the elimination of the beta-lactam antibiotic cephalexin (CPX). Experiments were done using K2S2O8 and simulated sunlight. A face-centered central composite experimental design was used to analyze the effects of the solution pH and the PS concentration on the reaction, and to determine the optimized conditions that favor the CPX elimination. The results indicated that the removal of CPX is promoted by an acidic pH and under the higher evaluated PS dose (7.5 mg L−1). CPX total removal was achieved in 30 min. The analysis of the effect of the pollutant initial concentration indicated that a pseudo-first-order kinetics model can be used to describe the reaction. Likewise, the use of Fe2+ ions for PS activation (in the dark) was evaluated and established that a higher concentration of ions favors the pollutant removal. Control tests and under the presence of scavenger agents indicated that both HO• and SO4−• radicals would be present in the solution and promote the CPX elimination. The assessment of the solution dissolved organic carbon, nitrates and sulfates was also carried out, and indicated that a portion of the organic matter was mineralized.