Azithromycin decomposition from simple and complex waters by H2O2 activation over a recyclable catalyst of clay modified with nanofiltration process brine

In the current research, the brine of desalination units on the Persian Gulf coast was used to improve the catalytic properties of clay. The catalyst was used to degrade azithromycin through H2O2 activation. The catalyst construction was optimized by considering the furnace retention time (60, 120, 180, 240 min), calcination temperature (200, 300, 400, 500 °C), and the ratio of brine-to- distilled water (100:0, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100%v/v). The catalyst was crystalline and mesoporous and had an area of 11.52 m2/g. The maximum azithromycin decontamination (96.50%) was achieved at pH 5.0, catalyst dose of 5 g/L, hydrogen peroxide quantity of 2%v/v, and contact time of 60 min. Azithromycin decomposition kinetics…