Adaptive bioinspired Light Emitting Diode-Internet of Things (LED-IoT) assisted solar packed bed photocatalytic reactor system for naproxen removal from real wastewater matrices

Abstract

This study investigates a novel solar-driven photocatalytic system integrating real time Internet of Things (IoT) controlled adaptive lighting with bioinspired TiO2-based photocatalysts immobilized on natural 3D scaffold materials (Luffa cylindrica and marine sponge) for the degradation of a model pharmaceutical (naproxen) in real wastewater matrices. The system integrates a five-stage flow-through packed-bed reactor with adaptive LED activation, autonomously regulated via light sensors to compensate for fluctuating solar irradiance. Field tests conducted in Palermo (Italy) and Poznan (Poland) demonstrated consistent photocatalytic performance with less than 11 % variation in naproxen degradation efficiency despite significantly different solar irradiation conditions. The results highlight the superior durability and activity of the Luffa cylindrica over the marine sponge photocatalyst and validate the robustness of IoT-controlled hybrid lighting under real environmental matrices (tap water, municipal wastewater, and hospital sewage). This work introduces a scalable and resilient approach for solar-assisted pharmaceutical removal, with strong potential for integration into wastewater treatment infrastructures located in diverse climatic regions.