Antibiotics, specifically azithromycin, are one of the resistant pharmaceutical residues increasingly found in aquatic environments, posing a rising danger to ecological health [1,2]. Given their potential to cause damage to the ecosystem and human health, this impact is huge unless effective remediation strategies are developed. Efficient and eco-friendly technologies for the removal of antibiotics from wastewater are thus important and inescapable for ensuring both human and environmental well-being [3]. Although various advanced oxidation processes (AOP) methods have been used to degrade pharmaceutical pollutants, the optimal application of these technologies has not been well investigated. While PbO2 electrodes are effective for the treatment of wastewater [4], surface modifications can further optimize their electrochemical performance and increase their operational lifetime [5]. A review of the past literature shows that no research has been carried out for the degradation and mineralization of azithromycin (Azi) by PbO2-based electrodes. Therefore, the importance of further study and research in this field is revealed. In this research, a Ti/TiO2-βPbO2 electrode was synthesized for the electrochemical degradation of Azi. To increase the efficiency and stability of the electrode, βPbO2 electrodeposition was performed in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Degradation efficiency and COD removal after 20 minutes of electrolysis of Azi aqueous solution at a concentration of 50 mg L-1 and a current density of 15 mA cm-2 at pH 7 were obtained as 100% and 49.41%, respectively. The findings provided a satisfactory electrode performance and a promising prospect for treating wastewater containing non-combustible organic pollutants.
