Photodegradation of diclofenac sodium in aqueous solution by ZnO/SnO2 powder mixture catalyst

The occurrence of xenobiotics such as drugs, pesticides, personal care products has been widely reported in the last decade. Pharmaceuticals represent emerging micropollutants which are extensively used in medical and veterinary propose. Although pharmaceutical residues are measured in low concentrations, ngL-1 in water, they may have negative impacts on ecosystems. The dominant route of pharmaceuticals into environment is by wastewater effluents discharged from treatment plants mainly based on application of biological treatment such as active sludge. The photodegradation of diclofenac sodium under UV irradiation was investigated using ZnO/SnO2 mixture.After 60 minute of UV exposure, diclofenac was completely degraded