Use of low-cost adsorbent functionalized with iron oxide nanoparticles for ivermectin removal

Abstract

Ivermectin is a commonly used anti-parasitic drug that has been linked to environmental problems. It has been known to cause neurological and reproductive effects on birds, fish, and other wildlife exposed to it. The overuse of ivermectin can lead to a loss of biodiversity, adding to the global environmental crisis. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate and investigate the adsorption of ivermectin, using Moringa oleifera seed husks functionalized with iron oxide nanoparticles. In view of the kinetic study, the equilibrium occurred in 400 min with an adsorptive capacity of 89.41 mg g-1, the experimental data fit better with the pseudo-first order model and the Langmuir model, obtaining a maximum capacity value of 143.76 mg g-1. Given the values of the thermodynamic parameters, it was determined that the process occurred spontaneously, exothermic and reversible. The material was reused in five cycles, indicating that the material has great potential for removing emerging contaminants.