Author(s)

Mohammad Hassanzadeh-Khayyat, Edward P. C. Lai, Kerim Kollu, Banu Ormeci

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A new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized by precipitation polymerization using diclofenac (DFC) as a template. Binding characteristics of the MIP particles were evaluated by equilibrium binding experiments. DFC-MIP aqueous suspension and non-imprinted polymer (NIP) suspension were exposed to monochromatic UV light (253.7 nm) from low-pressure mercury lamps. UV-visible spectrophotometry (especially absorbance at 276 nm) showed that the DFC inside MIP particles degraded completely. After DFC-MIP suspension exposure to UV light the particles were completely regenerated after washing with water at least six times. The regenerated MIP particles rebounded considerable amount of DFC (approximately 88% removal of 44 ppm DFC). The stability of DFC was examined in the presence of various concentrations of hydrochloric acid (0.025 to 125 mM). Experimental results showed that degradation of DFC was efficient, depending on the acid concentration as well as the treatment time. However, there was no re-binding of DFC by the MIP particles after HCl treatment (and DDW washing) when exposed to DFC for 24 hours.

Diclofenac, Molecularly Imprinted Polymer, Submicron Particles, UV Irradiation, Degradation, Acid Treatment

Hassanzadeh-Khayyat, M. , Lai, E. , Kollu, K. and Ormeci, B. (2011) Degradation of Diclofenac in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Submicron Particles by UV Light Irradiation and HCl Acid Treatment. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 3, 643-654. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2011.39074.