Investigation of photocatalytic removal of penicillin G from aqueous solution using Ag3VO4/BiVO4 nanocomposite in tubular reactor

Pharmaceutical contaminants, particularly antibiotics, pose significant risks to human health and the environment, especially in water resources, due to their stability and resistance to degradation. This study focuses on the removal of the pollutant penicillin G (PG) using the photocatalyst Ag₃VO₄/BiVO₄. The key parameters affecting the removal process, including pollutant concentration, catalyst dosage, pH, reaction time, and temperature were investigated during the photodegradation of the antibiotic utilizing a tubular reactor with side flow, illuminated by an 8 W black lamp. The characterization of the nanocomposite via FTIR and FESEM analyses confirmed the successful formation of Ag₃VO₄/BiVO₄. From experiments designed using Experimental Design software, a maximum removal efficiency of 95.5 % was obtained at a pH of 3, a catalyst dosage of 90 mg/L, and an initial PG concentration of 10 mg/L after 98 min. The results highlight the potential of Ag₃VO₄/BiVO₄ for broad application in improving water quality and protecting environmental and human health. Additionally, the findings underscore the high efficiency, and ease of implementation of the photodegradation process, presenting a viable solution for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from water resources.