Performance evaluation of combined Ultrasonic/UV process in Removal of Tetracycline Antibiotic from Aqueous Solutions using Response surface Methodology

Tetracycline is known as the second high consumed groups of antibiotics throughout the world, which their entrance into the domestic wastewater will lead to pollute the water resources. The aim of this study was to determine the performance of combined Ultrasonic/UVprocess in removal of tetracycline antibiotic from aqueous environments.
Material and This experimental study was performed by the ultrasonic bath associated with ultraviolet radiation. To determine the effects of independent variables including contact time (5-60 min), initial antibiotic concentration (5-25 mg/l), pH (3-10) and the input power (100- 300 W) on response variable (tetracycline removal), the samples were taken from reactor in different time intervals and the residual concentrations of tetracycline were measured by spectrophotometer in 261 nm wavelength.
The results of this study showed that the removal efficiency of UV and Ultrasonic processes was16% and 32% in optimum conditions, respectively. While in Ultrasonic /UV process, removal efficiency increased. The best removal efficiency (72%) was observed in pHof 4.5, antibiotic concentrationof10 mg/I, input power of240 W and contact timeof50 min.
According to the obtained results, Ultrasonic/UVprocess can be used as an effective process to remove the tetracycline antibiotic from aqueous solutions.