Novel Ceramic Nanostructured Adsorbent for Antibiotic Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from National University in Tehran, Iran, have developed a novel ceramic nanostructured adsorbent made from clay, bovine bone nanoparticles, and human hair waste for the removal of antibiotics from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was optimized through high-temperature sintering and characterization using various techniques confirmed its successful integration of hydroxyapatite, enhancing its adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacities for ofloxacin, tetracycline, and sulfadiazine were 26.59, 23.04, and 23.64 mg g-1, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The novel adsorbent was made from clay, bovine bone nanoparticles, and human hair waste, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for antibiotic removal.
  • The adsorbent's surface area was 172.46 m² g-1 and pore volume was 913.73 cm³ g-1, indicating its high adsorption capacity.
  • Optimal conditions for antibiotic removal were pH 7, 25 g adsorbent dose, 25°C, and 40 min contact time.
  • The adsorption isotherms fit the Langmuir model, indicating the adsorbent's high adsorption capacity.
  • The adsorbent retained over 90% of its initial efficiency after 142 regeneration cycles with 37% HCl.
  • This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using a novel ceramic nanostructured adsorbent for antibiotic removal from real pharmaceutical factory wastewater.
  • The researchers used FTIR, XRD, SEM, and BET to characterize the adsorbent and determine its properties.

Statistics:

  • Maximum adsorption capacities for ofloxacin, tetracycline, and sulfadiazine were 26.59, 23.04, and 23.64 mg g-1 respectively.
  • Surface area of the adsorbent: 172.46 m² g-1
  • Pore volume of the adsorbent: 913.73 cm³ g-1
  • Temperature for optimal antibiotic removal: 25°C
  • Time for optimal antibiotic removal: 40 min
  • Volume of HCl used for regeneration: 37%
  • Number of regeneration cycles: 142

Sources:

  • Results in Engineering, "Antibiotic adsorption from real pharmaceutical factory wastewater using a hole-punched flat ceramic membrane based on clay and hydroxyapatite in a fixed bed module" (Elsevier, 2025)
  • NewsRx, "Study Results from National University Broaden Understanding of Nanoparticles (Antibiotic adsorption from real pharmaceutical factory wastewater using a hole-punched flat ceramic membrane based on clay and hydroxyapatite in a fixed bed module)" (Nanotechnology Weekly, June 9, 2025)