Evaluation of modified bentonite using chemical and physical methods for removal of amoxicillin from aqueous solutions: batch and continuous study
Aseel Mohammed Naji, Ziad T. Abd Ali
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to modify the Iraqi natural bentonite (NB), as low-cost and available raw material, using different methods and investigate the potential application of using it as a reactive material for the removal of amoxicillin (AMX) from an aqueous solution in batch and continuous experiments. The modified bentonite (MB) was synthesized using different methods: (1) mixing NB with cationic surfactants (long and short alkyl chain surfactants symbolized as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and tetramethylammonium bromide), respectively, and (2) thermal activation method to produce calcined bentonite. Surface area, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy are used to describe the synthesized MB. Numerous elements that influence the amount of AMX removed, including contact duration, pH, the rate of agitation, initial concentration, and dose of the sorbent, have all been investigated. Two isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich), two kinetic models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order), and five breakthrough curve models were used to fit the column experimental data (Bohart–Adams model, Thomas–BDST model, Yan model, Belter–Cussler–Hu model, and Clark model). The outcomes of the experiments demonstrated that the modifications increased the effectiveness of NB’s removal and this made it a reactive material that could be effective for removing AMX from aqueous solutions.