Background: Amoxicillin is the most commonly used antibiotics that draws more attractions due to induce bacterial resistance.
This compound can enter the aquatic environment through different routes including sewage and waste disposal of medical health centers, veterinary and industries. The aim of this study was removal of amoxicillin from aqueous environments by Electro-Fenton process using modified graphite felt and synthesized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.
Methods: Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized by co- precipitation method. Graphite felt also modified due to avoid aeration. The structural and physical characteristics of nanocatalyst and also modified graphite felt were analyzed by SEM, EDS and BET techniques. After optimization of pH and time variables, the parameters of applied current, amoxicillin concentration, catalyst load and the distance between electrodes were designed using Design Expert 7.0 software and optimized by the response surface method.
Results: The graphite felt modification resulted in increase in surface area from 0.89 to 1.92 m²/g. The maximum removal of amoxicillin (97.11%) was obtained in optimal operational conditions (pH=3, time=60 min, applied current =180 mA, amoxicillin concentration=20 mg/L, catalyst load 1 g/L, the distance between electrodes =2 cm)