Sono-Fenton process for metronidazole degradation in aqueous solution: Effect of acoustic cavitation and peroxydisulfate anion.

The present work investigates the application of an improved treatment approach based on the ultrasound irradiation as clean technology driven Fenton in the presence of peroxydisulfate anion (S2O8(2-)) for the removal of metronidazole (MTZ) from aqueous solution. The sono-generation of sulfate radicals (SO4(-)) as a stronger oxidizing agent from S2O8(2-) (redox potential of 2.6V) has improved the degradation of MTZ. However, no studies have focused on the removal of MTZ using peroxydisulfate anion under sono-Fenton process. The MTZ concentration measurement during the processing allowed the evaluation of the kinetics of organic matter decay. The results have shown that the degradation of MTZ dependent on Fe(2+)/H2O2 molar ratio, temperature and S2O8(2-) concentration. The MTZ concentration decay follows pseudo first-order kinetics, within the range studied. Sono-Fenton process using low iron and hydrogen peroxide doses was proved to be an efficient method for the elimination of MTZ with high degradation rates. At optimum conditions, 96% of MTZ removal was achieved at 60°C in the presence of 1mM of S2O8(2-).

Boron doped diamond sensor for sensitive determination of metronidazole: Mechanistic and analytical study by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry.

The performance of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode for the detection of metronidazole (MTZ) as the most important drug of the group of 5-nitroimidazole was proven using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) techniques. A comparison study between BDD, glassy carbon and silver electrodes on the electrochemical response was carried out. The process is pH-dependent. In neutral and alkaline media, one irreversible reduction peak related to the hydroxylamine derivative formation was registered, involving a total of four electrons. In acidic medium, a prepeak appears probably related to the adsorption affinity of hydroxylamine at the electrode surface. The BDD electrode showed higher sensitivity and reproducibility analytical response, compared with the other electrodes. The higher reduction peak current was registered at pH11. Under optimal conditions, a linear analytical curve was obtained for the MTZ concentration in the range of 0.2-4.2µmolL(-1), with a detection limit of 0.065µmolL(-1).

Green condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes with active methylene compounds catalyzed by anion-exchange resin under ultrasound irradiation.

To realize a practical and green chemistry, two important challenges need to be addressed, namely the effective process for the activation of reaction and efficient, eco-friendly and robust chemical methods for the reaction conversion to target products via highly selective catalytic and reactions. Ultrasonic energy promotes the conversion process through its special cavitational effects. Combined with anion-exchange resin as a heterogeneous, reusable and efficient catalyst, Ultrasonic energy enhances the Knoevenagel condensation and leads to reduced reaction time at lower reaction temperature with less amounts of solvent and catalyst.