Estudo da degradação de azitromicina por fotocatálise com dióxido de titânio e peróxido de hidrogênio sob análise de espectrofotometria de absorção direta

Abstract

Basic sanitation plays a pivotal role in ensuring equitable access to potable water, treated sewage, and effective waste management systems. However, in Brazil, a significant proportion of the population still lacks access to these essential services, thereby exacerbating the risks associated with waterborne diseases and environmental contamination. Of particular concern are pharmaceutical compounds, notably antibiotics, which are increasingly recognized as emerging contaminants due to their detection in aquatic ecosystems. There is mounting evidence suggesting their adverse effects on both biota and ecological processes, including the development of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, conventional water and sewage treatment methodologies often prove inadequate in removing such contaminants. This research endeavors to investigate the degradation of azithromycin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, amidst its escalating utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing titanium dioxide and hydrogen peroxide as photocatalysts, renowned for their efficacy in degrading diverse organic compounds, the study aims to elucidate their potential in mitigating azithromycin contamination. Nonetheless, methodological constraints, such as the compound's limited solubility in aqueous environments and the interfering effects of ethanol as a solvent on spectrophotometric analyses, have impeded accurate detection and quantification of degradation products. Consequently, assessments of photolysis and photocatalysis utilizing titanium dioxide and hydrogen peroxide failed to definitively ascertain the extent of azithromycin degradation. In light of these challenges, the exploration of alternative detection methodologies, particularly leveraging the alizarin red dye reaction, is proposed to enhance the precision of azithromycin quantification. The study's findings underscore the inherent limitations of current detection protocols, precluding unequivocal conclusions regarding azithromycin degradation efficacy through the investigated advanced oxidative processes.