Researchers have developed an innovative method to treat tetracycline (TC) wastewater using a three-dimensional electrocatalytic oxidation (3D-ECO) system with coconut shell biochar (CBC) as the particle electrode. This system achieved remarkable results, removing 99.18% of TC and 84.01% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) within 45 minutes, outperforming traditional two-dimensional systems.

CBC, derived from coconut shells, boosts the formation of micro-electrolytic cells and enhances TC mineralization. This biochar is easy to recover and maintains excellent stability for reuse. The study identified optimal conditions for the system, including a pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More of 10, current density of 50 mA/cm², CBC particle size of 1.4–1.7 mm, and a dosage of 7 g/L. Under these conditions, TC degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics.

The researchers used high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze the degradation pathways and intermediate products of TC. The CBC’s effectiveness stems from its ability to regenerate through electrochemical reactions, forming numerous micro electrolysis cells that produce free radicals for enhanced TC degradation.

This study demonstrates the potential of CBC as a low-cost, efficient electrocatalyst for antibiotic wastewater treatment, offering a promising solution for addressing environmental pollution and antibiotic resistance. The system’s integration with advanced oxidation processes and its adaptability to various conditions underscore its practical application potential in environmental remediation.