Abstract:
An alternative method of electrochemical oxidation was employed to degrade persistent compounds in the
form of antibiotics using strong oxidizing agents such as hydroxyl ions. A 24 factorial design was employed to check the
effect of four factors namely pH, current density, electrolysis time and electrolyte concentration set at their high (+) and
low (-) levels on the antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin and erythromycin) degradation in water. The response was
obtained in the form of COD (chemical oxygen demand) removal. A prediction model was developed to predict the
values of COD removal. Later the main effect, contribution and interactions were studied with Design Expert Software
7.0. About 89.5% COD removal was obtained when pH and time were set at their high level and the other two factors at
their low level. It was determined that the pH when set at high level (pH 9) had the most effect (24.68) and contribution
(43.6) in the degradation process and hence the removal of COD. This technology of electrochemical oxidation can be
employed in industries to efficiently remove pharmaceuticals, paints, dyes and other organic compounds.
