Crystal plane directed interaction of TiO2 [1 0 1] with AgNPs [1 1 1] silver nanoparticles enhancing solar light induced photo-catalytic oxidation of ciprofloxacin: Experimental and theoretical studies

Application of TiO2-Based Photocatalysts to Antibiotics Degradation: Cases of Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim and Ciprofloxacin

“…Pharmaceuticals (analgesics and anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, β-blockers, endocrine active pharmaceuticals, lipid regulators, psychiatric drugs [1]) have become an essential part of our life, benefiting society's health and wellbeing. Improved life expectancy, the better prevention of diseases and significantly reduced mortality could not be imagined without appropriate medication [2].…”

“…Improved life expectancy, the better prevention of diseases and significantly reduced mortality could not be imagined without appropriate medication [2]. The consumption of pharmaceuticals continues to rise because of the ongoing demographical changes: growing world population, population density and aging societies (especially in developed countries) [1,3]. A growing population also means that more food is needed, leading to the increase in number and density of livestock, especially in intensive farming [1].…”

“…The consumption of pharmaceuticals continues to rise because of the ongoing demographical changes: growing world population, population density and aging societies (especially in developed countries) [1,3]. A growing population also means that more food is needed, leading to the increase in number and density of livestock, especially in intensive farming [1]. As a result, the demand for pharmaceuticals used for veterinary purposes also rises.…”

“…Besides, the continuous progress of medical science, improvements in research and development, high health-care investments and the availability of the global market contribute to the development of more and more new drugs and their wider availability [2,3]. However, a huge environmental concern arises when pharmaceutical substances enter natural aquatic ecosystems [1,2,4,5]. Approximately 2000 pharmaceutically active compounds are administered globally in prescription and non-prescription medicines, as well as veterinary drugs [1,6].…”

“…However, a huge environmental concern arises when pharmaceutical substances enter natural aquatic ecosystems [1,2,4,5]. Approximately 2000 pharmaceutically active compounds are administered globally in prescription and non-prescription medicines, as well as veterinary drugs [1,6]. These active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are complex molecules that belong to micropollutants, as they are found in the range of ng/Lµg/L in water bodies [7].…”