The catalytic properties of iron ions in the oxidative destruction of the active pharmaceutical ingredient paracetamol, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide have been investigated. It was found that in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst, the oxidation degree reaches more than 98%. The dependence of the oxidation efficiency on the concentration of the catalysts (hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ions) has been determined. A scheme for the treatment of pharmaceutical effluents is proposed, including the stages of homogeneous ozonation, coagulation of oxidative destruction and filtration products, and adsorption on activated carbon. The concentration of paracetamol and the chemical oxygen demand in the model solutions after treatment does not exceed the maximum permissible levels.

Keywords: catalytic ozonation; ferrous sulfate; hydrogen peroxide; paracetamol; pharmaceutical effluents.

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