Advanced Oxidation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Photocatalysis and Antibiotics

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) refers to any chemical discovered in water or in the environment that had not previously been detected, or were only present at insignificant levels. CECs is the general term covering a wide class of different types of chemical compounds, including disinfection by-products, endocrine disruptors, industrial chemicals, natural toxins, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Flame Retardants (FRs), Artificial Sweeteners (ASWs), Pesticides, Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCP) [1-2]. Pharmaceuticals are among the prime examples of emerging contaminants since up to 90% of oral drugs pass through the human body and end up in the environment ranging from nanogram per liter (e.g., carbamazepine) up to milligram per liter (e.g., acesulfame) concentration levels [2]. Antibiotics are the most consumed group of pharmaceuticals and their presence in the effluents of urban wastewater treatment plants is associated with Antibiotics Resistance (AR) and Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARG) transfer [3].