Photodegradation of lincomycin in aqueous solution

Aqueous solutions of lincomycin were irradiated with UV light in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. Lincomycin disappeared in both systems but the presence of TiO 2 noticeably accelerated the degradation of the antibiotic in comparison with direct photolysis. The rate of decomposition was dependent on the concentration of lincomycin and followed a pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. Photolysis involved only the oxidation of lincomycin without mineralization. Differently, the treatment with TiO 2 and UV light resulted in a complete mineralization of the antibiotic. The degradation pathways involved S‐ and N‐demethylation and propyldealkylation. The mineralization of the molecule led to the formation of sulfate, ammonium, and nitrate ions.