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Sulfamethoxazole exposure to simulated solar radiation under continuous flow mode: Degradation and antibacterial

Carla Patrícia Silva1, Cindy Oliveira2, Ana Ribeiro3

  • 1CESAM & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.

Chemosphere
|August 27, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Photodegradation efficiently removes the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from water, significantly reducing treatment time in continuous flow systems. This process also minimizes bacterial resistance, offering a sustainable solution for water remediation.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Water Chemistry
  • Photocatalysis

Background:

  • Antibiotics like sulfamethoxazole (SMX) are environmental pollutants of concern due to promoting bacterial resistance.
  • SMX is frequently detected in sewage treatment plant effluents and aquatic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the photodegradation of SMX in continuous flow mode for water remediation.
  • To assess the final effluent's antibacterial activity and its relationship with SMX removal and mineralization.

Main Methods:

  • Photodegradation experiments were conducted in continuous flow mode.
  • SMX removal, mineralization, and antibacterial activity were monitored.
  • Studies were performed in ultrapure water and environmental water matrices.

Main Results:

  • Continuous flow photodegradation significantly reduced the irradiation time required for SMX elimination compared to batch processes.
  • Mineralization of SMX was slower than its removal.
  • Antibacterial activity unexpectedly increased post-photodegradation, observed in both ultrapure and environmental waters.

Conclusions:

  • Photodegradation is an effective and sustainable method for removing SMX from contaminated waters.
  • The process contributes to minimizing the development of antibiotic resistance.
  • Continuous flow photodegradation offers practical advantages for water treatment applications.
Keywords:
Antibacterial activityContinuous flow water treatmentPhotolysisSulfonamidesVibrio fischeri

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