Photocatalytic degradation of hydroxychloroquine using ZnO supported on clinoptilolite zeolite

The objective of this work was to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide catalysts supported on natural zeolite clinoptilolite for photocatalytic degradation of the drug hydroxychloroquine, used in the treatment of malaria and which has been tested in the treatment of COVID-19. To synthesize 10%ZnOCP and 15%ZnOCP catalysts, the wet impregnation methodology was used. The raw and synthesized catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, XRF, BET, DRS, PCZ, FT-IR and PL. The degradation of hydroxychloroquine was calculated using UV-vis absorption from the samples before and after the photocatalytic process. The maximum percentage of degradation (96%) was obtained with the operational parameters of C0 = 10 mg L−1; Ccat = 2 g L−1 of 15%ZnOCP; pH = 7.5; UV-A radiation. Ecotoxicological tests against the bioindicators Lactuca sativa and Artemia salina confirmed the reduction of effluent toxicity after treatment. HIGHLIGHTS A ZnO-based photocatalyst supported on natural zeolite was synthesized for degradation of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).; High degradation efficiency (96%) of HCQ using the 15%ZnOCP catalyst.; Reduction of effluent toxicity after photocatalysis treatment.; 15%ZnOCP did not significantly reduce its photoactivity after first use.; The 15%ZnOCP catalyst was also efficient under natural solar radiation.