Current Affair 1:

News:

Scientists have developed an efficient photocatalyst that can degrade in sulfamethoxazole, a broad-spectrum antibiotic to less hazardous chemicals and reduce health and environmental concerns associated with antibiotic contamination.

Why this was important?

Antibiotic contamination has several adverse effects, including antibiotic resistance, ecological impact, human health concerns, etc. Hence, there is a need to find ways to mitigate this environmental issue.

This research focuses on creating materials that can harness light energy (usually from sunlight or artificial light sources) to break down antibiotic contaminants in water, reducing their harmful impact on ecosystems and human health.

Why Does This Research Matters?

1. Addressing Water Pollution: Developing efficient photocatalysts is crucial in addressing water pollution by effectively breaking down antibiotics and other organic pollutants.
2. Tackling Antibiotic Resistance: Degrading antibiotics before they enter natural water systems can help mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance, a major global health concern.
3. Sustainable Water Treatment: Photocatalysis offers a green and sustainable method for treating water since it utilizes light energy, often from the sun, reducing the need for chemical additives.

What is Photocatalysis?

Photocatalysis is a process where a material (photocatalyst) absorbs light and generates reactive species like electrons, holes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

These reactive species can then break down complex organic compounds, such as antibiotic molecules, into simpler, non-toxic substances like carbon dioxide and water.

The efficiency of a photocatalyst depends on how well it absorbs light, generates reactive species, and how stable it remains throughout the process.

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