ABSTRACT
This study presents the results obtained for the optimization of the mineralization of losartan (LOS) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) using the photo-Fenton process with a UV-Vis LED. Experimental design optimization employing a Doehlert matrix and a global desirability function enabled simultaneous evaluation of multiple responses, with factor fitting providing the best conditions that maximized the mineralization efficiency: Fe2+ at 10 mg L-1 and H2O2 at 100 mg L-1. High rates of mineralization of LOS and HCTZ were obtained, with dissolved organic carbon (DOC); removal of almost 75% after 90 min was observed for both pharmaceuticals. The kinetic model showed that the mineralization followed two regimes in the first minutes, with a fast progression followed by slower activity. The energy consumption calculated for mineralization of LOS and HCTZ at a concentration of 20 mg L-1 using the UV-Vis LED-assisted photo-Fenton process, at 60 min, was 130 kWh m-3. The desirability function provides a useful tool for finding optimal experimental conditions for the treatment of effluents with different characteristics. The UV-Vis LED was shown to be a good light source in the photo-Fenton process.
