Session: Undergraduate Research Posters: Analytical Chemistry:

Photodegradation of oxycodone hydrochloride by ultraviolet (UV) light was evaluated to determine the time required to degrade the pharmaceutical to a non-detectable concentration. The proper disposal of unused pharmaceuticals by the public can be challenging and could potentially contaminate natural bodies of water such as the rivers. Pharmaceuticals can be introduced into the environment through flushing or disposal in the trash. Pharmaceutical active ingredients can then end up in soils and waterways as pollution which may affect the natural conditions of the environment. To help to conserve the environment, new methods of pharmaceutical disposal and degradation are being explored. UV degradation of oxycodone hydrochloride in pure form was evaluated. Samples dissolved in water at 100 ppm were treated in a UV reactor containing eight 254 nm UV lights. An identical “control” sample was kept in the dark, and both samples were stirred continuously. Samples were periodically removed from each and analyzed for remaining active ingredient using high performance liquid chromatography. Results show that the compound degraded to a non-detectable concentration (<0.05 ppm) in 50 hours. The control sample did not degrade at all in the same time period, indicating that the UV light was responsible for degradation of the drug. Degradation of oxycodone hydrochloride in pill form, which is the form that the public would be disposing, is currently being evaluated and initial results demonstrate a similar rate of degradation as the pure compound. The addition of catalyst(s) to increase the rate of degradation in UV light will also be pursued.

Lou Tom

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