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Towards improving the capacity of UiO-66 for antibiotic elimination from contaminated water
Sara Rojas1,2, Ana Torres1, Víctor Dato1
1Advanced Porous Materials Unit, IMDEA Energy, Av. Ramón de la Sagra 3, 28935 Móstoles-Madrid, Spain. patricia.horcajada@imdea.org.
Abstract:
Antibiotics are found in natural waters, raising concern about their human and environmental toxicity and the wide occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The antibiotic resistance crisis is attributed to the overuse and misuse of these medications. Particularly, sulfamethazine (SMT), an antibiotic commonly used in pigs and cattle for the treatment of bacterial diseases, has been detected in the natural environment (soil and water). Among all the technologies developed to combat the deteriorating water quality and control antimicrobial resistance, heterogeneous photocatalysis should be highlighted for the degradation of refractory organic compounds. Here, we described the SMT adsorption and photodegradation capacity of a highly porous and robust zirconium-based MOF UiO-66 under realistic conditions, and its potential recyclability. Further, its SMT removal capacity was improved by functionalizing the MOF porosity (28.5% of SMT adsorption in 24 h for nanoUiO-66-NH2), and nanosizing the MOF (100% SMT photodegradation in only 4 h for nanoUiO-66). Finally, the safety of the formed by-product during SMT photodegradation was confirmed, reinforcing the potential of the application of UiO-66 in water remediation.
Insights
This study shows that a zirconium-based material, UiO-66, effectively removes the antibiotic sulfamethazine (SMT) from water through adsorption and photodegradation. Modified UiO-66 offers a promising solution for water remediation and combating antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Antibiotics like sulfamethazine (SMT) contaminate natural waters, posing risks of toxicity and promoting antibiotic resistance.
- The overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute to the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance.
- Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a key technology for degrading persistent organic pollutants in water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adsorption and photodegradation capabilities of zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) UiO-66 for SMT removal.
- To investigate the impact of MOF functionalization and nanosizing on SMT removal efficiency.
- To assess the recyclability and byproduct safety of UiO-66 for water remediation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of UiO-66 and its modified forms (nanoUiO-66-NH2, nanoUiO-66).
- Experimental determination of SMT adsorption and photodegradation kinetics under simulated environmental conditions.
- Analysis of degradation byproducts to ensure environmental safety.
Main Results:
- UiO-66 demonstrated significant SMT adsorption and photodegradation capacity.
- Functionalizing UiO-66 with -NH2 groups enhanced SMT adsorption (28.5% in 24 h).
- Nanosized UiO-66 achieved complete SMT photodegradation within 4 hours, with confirmed byproduct safety.
Conclusions:
- UiO-66, particularly in its nanosized and functionalized forms, is highly effective for removing SMT from water.
- This MOF shows potential for practical application in water remediation technologies.
- The study reinforces the viability of UiO-66-based photocatalysis for addressing antibiotic contamination in aquatic environments.
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