An electroanalytical sensor for the detection of antibiotic cefoperazone sodium sulbactam sodium residue in wastewater

The misuse and uncontrolled release of pharmaceuticals into water bodies lead to environmental challenges and the development of resistance, thereby reducing their effectiveness. To mitigate these problems, it is essential to identify pharmaceuticals in water sources and eliminate them prior to human use. This study presents the designing of a novel nanosensor for the detection of the antibiotic Cefoperazone Sodium Sulbactam Sodium (CSSS). The nanosensor was prepared by modifying the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with the nanoparticles of NiO and MWCNTs. A green synthetic method was applied for the synthesis of NiO nanoparticles. Their structural and morphological characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, while optical properties were assessed through UV-vis spectroscopy. NiO nanoparticles in conjunction with MWCNTs enhanced the sensitivity of the GCE for the detection of CSSS. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed efficient charge transport through the designed sensing platform designated as NiO/MWCNTs/GCE. Square wave voltammetry demonstrated an eightfold increase in peak current intensity of CSSS at the NiO/MWCNTs/GCE as compared to the unmodified GCE. The electrochemical analysis of CSSS in solution of different pH indicated the involvement of protons during electron transfer reactions of CSSS. The limit of detection of CSSS with a value of 3.31 nM was obtained at the designed sensing platform under optimized experimental conditions. The current investigations combine advanced materials with principles of green chemistry, significantly enhancing efforts in wastewater remediation from antibiotic drugs.