Adsorption Isotherms and Kinetics of Acebutolol and Metoprolol on Magnetic Nanocomposite Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)

Abstract

AbstractContamination of water bodies by emerging pollutants such as β‐blockers has been a global concern over the past few years. This is due to the bioaccumulative character of β‐blockers in the aquatic systems, and their excessive usage might cause adverse effects on both humans and aquatic biota. A reusable and recyclable magnetic chromium‐based MIL‐101 (Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr)) nanocomposite was used as an adsorbent for the removal of the selected β‐blockers (acebutolol and metoprolol) from wastewater. The nanocomposite‘s structural, magnetic and surface properties were confirmed using various characterisation techniques. The equilibrium data indicated that the maximum adsorption capacities of Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr) for acebutolol and metoprolol were 30.9 mg g−1 and 28.3 mg g−1, respectively. The isotherm and kinetic experimental data best fitted Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics models. Obtained free energies using the Dubinin‐Radushkevich model were above 8 kJ mol−1, demonstrating that the interaction mechanism between β‐blockers and the Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr) nanocomposite was chemisorption. The prepared nanocomposite was then used to remove β‐blockers from real samples, and maximum removal efficiencies (94.1–97.1 %) were obtained in the presence of co‐existing species. The Fe3O4@MIL‐101(Cr) hybrid showed great potential for efficient and facile removal of β‐blockers from river water, effluent and influent wastewater samples.