Oxidation of aqueous pharmaceuticals by pulsed corona discharge.

Oxidation of aromatic compounds of phenolic (paracetamol, beta-oestradiol and salicylic acid) and carboxylic (indomethacin and ibuprofen) structure used in pharmaceutics was studied. Aqueous solutions were treated with pulsed corona discharge (PCD) as a means for advanced oxidation. Pulse repetition frequency, delivered energy dose and oxidation media were the main parameters studied for their influence on the process energy efficiency. The PCD treatment appeared to be effective in oxidation of the target compounds: complete degradation of pollutant together with partial mineralization was achieved at moderate energy consumption; oxidation proceeds faster in alkaline media. Low-molecular carboxylic acids were identified as ultimate oxidation by-products formed in the reaction.