Magnetic zeolite@β-cyclodextrin-gum Arabic nanocomposite for adsorptive removal of levofloxacin
Siyasanga Mpelane, Anele Mpupa, Mbuso Mlambo, Ndzondelelo Bingwa, Nomvano Mketo, Philiswa N. Nomngongo
Abstract
This study reports the synthesis, characterisation, and application of magnetic zeolite@β-cyclodextrin-gum Arabic (MZ@β-CD-GA) adsorbent for adsorptive removal of levofloxacin (LEV). The kinetic studies confirmed that the adsorption of LEV was described by pseudo-second order and Elovich models. Furthermore, Langmuir and Sips isotherms confirmed a monolayer adsorption process. While the Dubinin-Radushkevich model confirmed that the mechanism was controlled by chemisorption (Ea > 20 kJ/mol). Furthermore, the maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of MZ@β-CD-GA nanocomposite for sorption of LEV was 150 mg/g. The negative values of ΔG° and positive ΔH° suggested that the adsorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. The applicability of MZ@β-CD-GA material was evaluated for the laboratory-scale treatment of real water samples spiked with known concentrations of LEV, and the removal efficiencies ranged from 89 - 97.8%. Findings from this study indicate that MZ@β-CD-GA material was commercially feasible and can be used as an alternative adsorbent in antibiotic decontamination.