Optimization of degradation of ciprofloxacin antibiotic and assessment of degradation products using full factorial experimental design by fenton homogenous process

The Pharmaceutical contaminants specialist antibiotics into environment can create problems for both human health and environment. Ciprofloxacin (CIP), an antibiotic Fluoroquinolones group, has recently been used widely for infections treatment. The main purpose of the research was to develop a Full factorial method for degradation of CIP in aqueous solution by Fenton Homogenous process (Fe²⁺ /H₂O₂). In order to compare the effects of the four parameters considered in the optimization of the oxidative process, a two level Full factorial experimental design (2⁴) was utilized using JMP® software. These parameters were concentration of CIP ( X₁ ), concentration of Fe²⁺ ( X₂ ), concentration of H₂O₂ ( X₃ ) and time ( X₄ ) at ambient temperature and an acidic pH. In the optimal conditions of the initial concentration of CIP 10 mg/l, Fe²⁺ concentration of 5 mM, and H₂O₂ concentration of 25.6 mM degradation efficiency of CIP was 76% within 45 min. Under these conditions, the highest correlation coefficient proved between observed and predicted degradation efficiencies with R²= 0.996 and Adj-R²=0.968. The reaction intermediates have been identified by LC-MS and BOD₅/COD ratio for study biodegradability enhanced from zero to 0.32, showed that the Fenton Homogenous process was agreeable to biological treatment. Based on the results, this may be concluded that Fenton Homogenous process by Full factorial experimental design could be used to degrade CIP from aqueous solutions efficiently.