Combined Removal of Pemetrexed Drug Using Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation from Polluted Water
Date
2025-08-15
Authors
Salameh, S.,
Abu Khalil, H.,
Alkhatib, M.,
Ayyad, I.,
Chovelon. J.-M.,
Ferronatoc, C.,
Ayyad, O.*,
Qurie, M.*,
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SPC (Sami Publishing Company)
Abstract
Phenyl-substituted imidazoles, such as pemetrexed (PEME), pose substantial
environmental risks due to their capacity for prolonged persistence within
aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluates a combined adsorptionphotocatalysis approach using TiO2/UV-C for PEME removal, optimizing key
parameters including pH (4.0–8.0), adsorbent dosage (0.125-1.0 g TiO2), and
initial PEME concentration (25-200 ppm). The findings reveal optimal
adsorption efficacy (92.6%) at a pH of 4.0, propelled by electrostatic
attraction between protonated TiO₂ (Ti–OH₂⁺) and anionic PEME.
Photocatalytic degradation further enhanced removal (98.7% at pH 4.0)
through hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation under UV-C irradiation. The
equilibrium data demonstrated a strong correlation with the Freundlich
isotherm (R² > 0.98), indicating multi-layer adsorption on heterogeneous TiO₂
surfaces. Temperature variations ranging from 15 to 40 °C exhibited an
insignificant impact, while elevated doses of TiO2 demonstrated a positive
correlation with enhanced degradation. The TiO2/UV-C system has been
demonstrated to be a scalable and efficient solution for PEME-contaminated
water, particularly under acidic conditions, thereby advancing the application
of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the treatment of pharmaceutical
wastewater.