Optimization of Tetracycline Sonophotocatalytic Degradation by Cerium-Based Metal-Organic Framework

The increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics, and their discharge in used water adversely impact wastewater treatment facilities, posing a significant environmental challenge. This study investigates the removal of tetracycline from aqueous media using a novel cerium-based metal-organic framework synthesized through sonochemical techniques. The sonophotocatalyst was characterized by using infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize tetracycline removal conditions across five levels of photocatalyst loading, initial tetracycline concentration, contact time, and pH. Optimal removal conditions were achieved at pH 7, an initial tetracycline concentration of 145 ppm, a photocatalyst loading of 1307 ppm, and a contact time of 111 min, yielding an 89% removal efficiency. The synthesized Ce-MOF demonstrated stability and sustained sonophotocatalytic activity, presenting a promising solution for pharmaceutical contamination in advanced water-treatment applications.