Feasibility of using UV and persulfate in degrading ofloxacin in a large reactor

Ofloxacin (OFL) was degraded by ultraviolet (UV) and persulfate (PS) in a large reactor. The effects of pH and PS concentration on the UV/PS process were examined. The degradation rate and efficiency of OFL at pH 3 markedly exceeded those at pH 11. The degradation rate and efficiency of OFL increased with PS concentration. However, a higher PS concentration disfavored the OFL degradation. The optimal PS concentrations at pH 3, 7, and 11 were 1.00, 0.50 and 0.50 mmol/L, respectively. The OFL degradation by the UV/PS process initially exhibited pseudo-first-order kinetics. At pH 3 and a PS concentration of 1.00 mmol/L, 82% of OFL was degraded after 30 min. Therefore, the UV/PS process effectively degrades OFL.