Table 1 A comparison of non-biodegradable tetracycline methods
Non-biodegradable method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Influencing parameters |
|---|---|---|---|
Ozonation | High process efficiency Lesser O3 consumption Environmentally safe, i.e., no sludge production Improve efficiency by catalyst utilization | High cost Lesser solubility in water Possible production of carcinogenic by-product (bromate) Mass transfer limitation | Ozone dose pH and temperature of the reaction medium Type of catalyst Initial TC concentration |
Fenton process | High performance Simplicity Non-toxic Environmentally safe end products generation, i.e., H2O, O2 Possibility of catalyst utilization to improve the efficiency Possibility of combination with other non-biodegradable methods to improve efficiency | Strict pH range High H2O2 consumption Ferric sludge generation | Operating pH and temperature Ferrous ion concentration H2O2 concentration Initial TC concentration |
Photolysis/photocatalysis | Reaction conditions easily met Complete decomposition of organic matter Strong redox ability Low cost Long durability No adsorption saturation Potential upscale possibility | Inefficient visible light utilization Rapid degradation of photogenerated intermediate compounds Mass transfer limitations Incomplete mineralization | Intensity of radiation Type of catalysts Water hardness pH Redox conditions Initial TC concentration Humic acid concentration |
Sonolysis/sonochemical oxidation | Green or safe technique No or negligible secondary pollution Ultrasound waves clean catalyst surface thereby increasing catalyst efficiency Low cost reactors In combination with Fenton process reduce sludge generation | Non-selective mechanism High energy consumption High maintenance cost | Ultrasonic power pH Initial TC concentration Reaction time Redox potential |