Moringa oleifera seed pod‐based adsorbent for the removal of paracetamol from aqueous solution: A novel approach toward diversification

Abstract

AbstractThe removal of paracetamol (PCM) from aqueous solution using chemically modified Moringa seed pod activated carbon (MOSPAC) was investigated. MOSPAC was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. EDX results show that carbon in MOSP is 61.69% by weight and 61.18% by atom, while MOSPAC is 78.44% by weight and 88.80% by atom. The effects of operational parameters such as adsorbent dosage, initial PCM concentration, contact time, pH, and temperature were investigated. Langmuir model described the adsorption process mostly with adsorption capacity, qo of 20.284 mg g−1. The Dubinin–Radushkevich (D‐R) isotherm showed that the mean free energy, ED‐R, ranged from 100 to 408 kJ mol−1, suggesting that the mechanism of adsorption of PCM was chemisorption in nature. Similarly, the adsorption kinetic study was adequately described by the pseudo‐second order with R2 values ranging from 0.95 to 0.9998. Thermodynamic parameters, ΔS, ΔH, and ΔG gave (+493.79 kJ mol−1 K−1, +134.8679 kJ mol−1, and −35.3681 kJ mol−1, respectively) revealed that the adsorption process is endothermic, feasible, and spontaneous. The value of Ea (>80 kJ mol−1) shows the mechanism of adsorption follows chemisorption. The cost analysis provides a simple proof that MOSPAC (40.17 USD per kg) is approximately 10 times cheaper than commercial activated carbon (398.70 USD per kg) providing a saving of 358.53 USD per kg. MOSPAC proved to be an effective adsorbent in the removal of PCM from aqueous solution. The use of functionalized Moringa seed pod in removing paracetamol drug even at very low concentration was demonstrated in this study to be efficient and cost effective.Statement of novelty The adsorption of paracetamol (PCM) on Moringa oleifera seed pod activated carbon (MOSPAC) was investigated. MOSPAC adsorbent gave a higher qo value for PCM removal from aqueous solution than other similar ones. MOSPAC is 78.44% by weight and 88.80% by atom, suggesting a promising adsorbent for PCM removal from aqueous solution