Photocatalytic Degradation of Ibuprofen Using TiO2 and Ecotoxicological Assessment of Degradation Intermediates against Daphnia similis

Several pharmaceutical compounds have been detected in natural aqueous systems and ibuprofen (IBF), one of the most consumed medicament, has been detected in many countries. The degradation efficiency of IBF under TiO2/UV radiation was evaluated. Optimum degradation results were observed using 20 mg∙L−1 of TiO2, pH 7.8 and 5 mg∙L−1 of IBF. Under these experimental conditions total IBF removal was achieved in less than 60 min of irradiation. Although total IBF concentration was observed, the total mineralization of the compound was not achieved. The by-products generated during TiO2/UV reaction showed to be more toxic against Daphnia similis than the initial IBF present in aqueous solution.