Photocatalytic application of bacterial-derived biopolymer in removing pharmaceutical contaminants from water

• Published in: Catalysis communications Vol. 186; p. 106821
• Main Authors: Bilić, Andrijana, Armaković, Sanja J., Savanović, Maria M., Zahović, Ida, Dodić, Jelena, Trivunović, Zorana, Savić, Igor, Gajo, Teodora, Armaković, Stevan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: DFT; Pharmaceuticals; Photodegradation; Sun simulator; Water purification; Xanthan; Photodegradation; Xanthan; DFT; Water purification; Sun simulator; Pharmaceuticals
• ISSN: 1566-7367; 1873-3905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.catcom.2023.106821

The inadequate existence of practical techniques for water purification poses a prominent and widespread global environmental challenge. This study aims to clarify the efficacy of xanthan application in the photocatalytic removal of nadolol, pindolol, and cefoperazone from water reservoirs. Under the influence of a simulated solar light source, xanthan exhibited significant degradation rates for pindolol (77%) and cefoperazone (91%). In contrast, nadolol's degradation efficiency was notably lower (10%). These findings suggest that the molecular structure can substantially influence the efficiency of the purification process. Computational analyses were conducted to gain a more profound understanding of the implications of molecular structure. [Display omitted] •Biosynthesized xanthan in efficient photocatalytic water purification.•Effective emulsion stabilization and environmental remediation.•Computational analysis via DFT: RDG surface and quantum-molecular descriptors.•Paving the way for sustainable environmental cleanup strategy applications.