Removal of Ibuprofen from aqueous solutions by Ozonation process

Ibuprofen (IBU) is one of the most consumed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) widely used in musculoskeletal and analgesic treatments. This study set out with the aim of assessing the efficiency of conventional ozonation process in a semi-batch plug-flow reactor in order to remove IBU from aqueous solutions.
A laboratory scale semi-batch plug-flow ozonation reactor was employed during the present study. Four variables including pH, dosage of ozone, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and initial Ibuprofen concentration, which might affect the degradation of Ibuprofen, were taken into consideration. The IBU concentration was determined using HPLC.
Working under optimal operating conditions (pH = 8, HRT = 60 min, C=5 mg/L and Ozone dose 2/5 g/h), about 59% IBU degradation was noticed. Results also revealed that the degradation of IBU well fitted with the firstorder kinetics.
The operating variables of pH, dosage of ozone, initial Ibuprofen concentration, and HRT were optimized using a plug-flow reactor to improve contact between dissolved ozone and the drug. pH and HRT were the most affecting variables. Furthermore, a predictive model allowing us to predict the percentage of IBP degradation
as a function of pH and HRT under experimental conditions was obtained.