Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin and Ibuprofen Utilizing Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review

The increase in pharmaceutical pollutants in water bodies has raised serious concerns worldwide regarding their negative effects on human wellness and the environment. However, the use of nanoparticles provides a highly effective and promising solution for removing pharmaceutical drugs from wastewater through photocatalytic degradation. This innovative method aims to break down drugs into simpler molecules found in water bodies. The study focuses on the interaction between nanoparticles and drugs, specifically Ibuprofen and Ciprofloxacin, and explores the use of photocatalysis utilizing nanoparticles to achieve this. Nanoparticles such as Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and especially semiconductors have exceptional catalytic properties and high surface area, which significantly contribute to the degradation process when exposed to light. The review briefly describes the multiple factors that affect the degradation of dyes and drugs through photocatalysis. It also highlights the challenges of implementing this technique in practical settings, including catalyst recovery and byproduct management. Furthermore, the research discusses the potential environmental impact of degradation products and the associated risks resulting from their release. Additionally, the use of metal oxide in photocatalysis and nanotechnology is explored. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing photocatalytic systems that use nanoparticles to remove drugs from contaminated water sources effectively. It makes significant improvements to the advancement of economical and environmentally friendly water treatment techniques.