Thesis Title: «Photochemical cleavage of the drug Aciclovir in aqueous solutions under the influence of ultraviolet radiation in the presence of Η2Ο2 and S2O8-2»

Tusday 24 September 2019, at: 13:00, Venue: Hall Κ2.A11

Examination Committee

• Assistant Professor Nikolaos Xekoukoulotakis (advisor)
•  Professor Evangelos Gidarakos
• Dr. Konstantina Tyrovola

Abstract

In this thesis, we studied the photochemical degradation of the antiviral medication aciclovir under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, in aqueous solutions. The experiments were conducted at the wavelength of 254 nm (ie UV-C radiation) and furthermore, in the absence and presence of the chemical oxidative reagents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and persulfate anion (S2O82−).

 In order to carry out the experiments, a batch reactor of laboratory scale was used, at room temperature (20-25°C) and the solution was in contact with atmospheric air. The samples were collected to determine the residual concentration of our substance as well as the total organic carbon of the solutions.

 Direct photolysis showed that acyclovir concentration was decreased by 31% in 4 hours, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. In addition, total organic carbon concentration remained practically stable after prolonged irradiation.

 In addition, irradiation experiments were performed in the presence of the oxidizing reagents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and persulfate anion (S2O82−). In this case, it was proved that photochemical decomposition of aciclovir in the presence of the above oxidizing reagents, was more effective than immediate photolysis. Furthermore, the percentage of total carbon removal was also increased during the indirect photolysis process. In any case, complete mineralization was not achieved.