Removal Of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Research Articles

Simultaneous removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cadmium in aqueous phase by activated carbon: Behaviors, mechanisms and application potentials

The combined pollution of pharmaceuticals and heavy metals has received increasing attention in recent years. Adsorptive strategy is a promising application in the simultaneous removal of pharmaceutical-metal complexes. In this study, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs consisting of ibuprofen (IBP) and naproxen (NAP)) and cadmium (Cd) were selected as representative pharmaceuticals and heavy metals, respectively, and their removal behaviors on a typical adsorbent of powdered activated carbon (PAC) were investigated. The influencing factors (i.e., contact time, concentration, pH, temperature, addition sequence, background substances) and related mechanisms during the adsorption processes were explored with experimental and theoretical methods. Additionally, the reusability and performance of PAC in actual wastewater were evaluated. The results showed that Cd promoted IBP and NAP adsorption through bridging and electrostatic interactions. Lower concentrations (<20 mg/L) of NSAIDs moderately enhanced adsorption capacity of Cd, while higher concentrations inhibited the Cd adsorption due to potential blockage and competitive effects. In the presence of Cd, the adsorption capacity of NSAIDs increased with pH, with the adsorption capacity of IBP and NAP increased by 2.58 and 1.49 times at pH= 7, respectively. In contrast, the effect of NSAIDs on Cd adsorption remained relatively consistent over the pH range of 2–7. Hydrochloric acid had a good recovery ability for the reuse of saturated PAC (regeneration efficiency >80%). Adsorption of NSIADs in actual wastewater decreased by 37.5% to 75.0% because of competition with high organic matter, while the removal of Cd was relatively stable. These results provide new insights into the control of combined pharmaceutical-heavy metal contamination from wastewater.

Bentonite Modified with Surfactants—Efficient Adsorbents for the Removal of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Organobentonites have been applied for the removal of two common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen (IBU) and diclofenac sodium (DS), from aqueous solutions. Two surfactants, one with and the other without benzyl group (octadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, ODMBA, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, HDTMA), in amounts equivalent to 50, 75, and 100% of the cation exchange capacity of bentonite were used for the preparation of organobentonites. Successful modification of bentonite was confirmed by several methods: X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), point of the zero charge (pHPZC), determination of exchanged inorganic cations in bentonite, determination of textural properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Kinetic and thermodynamic data on the adsorption of IBU and DS showed that drug adsorption was controlled by the type and the amount of surfactant incorporated into the bentonite and by their arrangement in the interlayer space and at the surface of organobentonites. The adsorption of both drugs increased with an increase in the amount of both surfactants in organobentonites. The presence of the benzyl group in organobentonites enhanced the adsorption of IBU and DS and was more pronounced for IBU. Drug adsorption fits the pseudo-second-order kinetic model the best. The thermodynamic data revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic in nature and with increase of the amount of both surfactants drug adsorption processes were more spontaneous. The results obtained from this study revealed that adsorbents based on surfactants modified bentonite are promising candidates for IBU and DS removal from contaminated water.

Leaf-like ionic covalent organic framework for the highly efficient and selective removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Adsorption performance and mechanism insights

In recent years, ionic covalent organic frameworks (iCOFs) have become popular for the removal of contaminants from water. Herein, we employed 2-hydroxybenzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde (TFP) and 1,3-diaminoguanidine monohydrochloride (DgCl) to develop a novel leaf-like iCOF (TFP-DgCl) for the highly efficient and selective removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The uniformly distributed adsorption sites, suitable pore sizes, and functional groups (hydroxyl groups, guanidinium groups, and aromatic groups) of the TFP-DgCl endowed it with powerful and selective adsorption capacities for NSAIDs. Remarkably, the optimal leaf-like TFP-DgCl demonstrated an excellent maximum adsorption capacity (1100.08 mg/g) for diclofenac sodium (DCF), to the best of our knowledge, the largest adsorption capacity ever achieved for DCF. Further testing under varying environmental conditions such as pH, different types of anions, and multi-component systems confirmed the practical suitability of the TFP-DgCl. Moreover, the prepared TFP-DgCl exhibited exceptional reusability and stability through six adsorption–desorption cycles. Finally, the adsorption mechanisms of NSAIDs on leaf-like TFP-DgCl were confirmed as electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions. This work significantly supplements to our understanding of iCOFs and provides new insights into the removal of NSAIDs from wastewater.

Targeted Adsorptive Removal of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Water Purification Using Nanoporous Zr-Based Metal–Organic Framework Microcubes

Targeted Adsorptive Removal of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Water Purification Using Nanoporous Zr-Based Metal–Organic Framework Microcubes

Removal of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs from Drinking Water Sources by GO-SWCNT Buckypapers.

Pharmaceutical products such as antibiotics, analgesics, steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are new emerging pollutants, often present in wastewater, potentially able to contaminate drinking water resources. Adsorption is considered the cheapest and most effective technique for the removal of pollutants from water, and, recently, membranes obtained by wet filtration method of SWCNT aqueous solutions (SWCNT buckypapers, SWCNT BPs) have been proposed as self-standing porous adsorbents. In this paper, the ability of graphene oxide/single-walled carbon nanotube composite membranes (GO-SWCNT BPs) to remove some important NSAIDs, namely Diclofenac, Ketoprofen, and Naproxen, was investigated at different pH conditions (pH 4, 6, and 8), graphene oxide amount (0, 20, 40, 60, and 75 wt.%), and initial NSAIDs concentration (1, 10, and 50 ppm). For the same experimental conditions, the adsorption capacities were found to strongly depend on the graphene oxide content. The best results were obtained for 75 wt.% graphene oxide with an adsorption capacity of 118 ± 2 mg g-1 for Diclofenac, 116 ± 2 mg g-1 for Ketoprofen, and 126 ± 3 mg g-1 for Naproxen at pH 4. Overall, the reported data suggest that GO-SWCNT BPs can represent a promising tool for a cheap and fast removal of NSAIDs from drinking water resources, with easy recovery and reusability features.

Removal of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) from Water Using Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Based Bio-sorbent

Naproxen has been found in a variety of water sources, including drinking water and groundwater. The effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants and other modern pharmaceutical removal procedures are investigated, with a particular focus on adsorption. There are several significant findings in this report that the quantity of oil palm wastes particularly oil palm EFB has created disposal problems. Utilizing EFB as a pollutant adsorbent in wastewater is a viable option. The aim of this research is to determine the adsorption capacity and the efficiency of EFB in removal of NSAIDs from water. As a result, EFB must be used to mitigate agricultural waste and water pollution. The highest percentage naproxen sodium removal shows at concentration of 100 ppm after 24 hours in 2.5 g of EFB, which was 98.66%. For 5.0 g of EFB, the highest percentage removal recorded in 1000 ppm concentration of naproxen sodium solution after 24 hours was 45.74 %. Aspects for EFB to achieve maximum adsorption capacity and efficiency are smaller EFB and contact time in 24 hours. In conclusion, EFB can be utilized as a cheap raw material to be a bio-sorbent.

Preparation of Hypercrosslinked Polymer-Based Sponge and its Application for the Removal of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Water Samples

Preparation of Hypercrosslinked Polymer-Based Sponge and its Application for the Removal of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Water Samples

A Comprehensive Review for Removal of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Attained from Wastewater Observations Using Carbon-Based Anodic Oxidation Process.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (concentration <µg/L) are globally acknowledged as hazardous emerging pollutants that pass via various routes in the environment and ultimately enter aquatic food chains. In this context, the article reviews the occurrence, transport, fate, and electrochemical removal of some selected NSAIDs (diclofenac (DIC), ketoprofen (KTP), ibuprofen (IBU), and naproxen (NPX)) using carbon-based anodes in the aquatic environment. However, no specific protocol has been developed to date, and various approaches have been adopted for the sampling and elimination processes of NSAIDs from wastewater samples. The mean concentration of selected NSAIDs from different countries varies considerably, ranging between 3992–27,061 µg/L (influent wastewater) and 1208–7943 µg/L (effluent wastewater). An assessment of NSAIDs removal efficiency across different treatment stages in various wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been performed. Overall, NSAIDs removal efficiency in wastewater treatment plants has been reported to be around 4–89%, 8–100%, 16–100%, and 17–98% for DIC, KTP, NPX, and IBU, respectively. A microbiological reactor (MBR) has been proclaimed to be the most reliable treatment technique for NSAIDs removal (complete removal). Chlorination (81–95%) followed by conventional mechanical biological treatment (CMBT) (94–98%) treatment has been demonstrated to be the most efficient in removing NSAIDs. Further, the present review explains that the electrochemical oxidation process is an alternative process for the treatment of NSAIDs using a carbon-based anode. Different carbon-based carbon anodes have been searched for electrochemical removal of selected NSAIDs. However, boron-doped diamond and graphite have presented reliable applications for the complete removal of NSAIDs from wastewater samples or their aqueous solution.

Efficient adsorption of naproxen and ibuprofen by gelatin/zirconium-based metal–organic framework/sepiolite aerogels via synergistic mechanisms

The removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from effluent wastewater is critical because of their adverse impacts on human health and the ecosystem. In this study, we successfully fabricated a novel biopolymer-based aerogel composite by incorporating a zirconium-based metal–organic framework, UiO-66 (MOF), and sepiolite (Sep) into gelatin (Gel) to efficiently remove naproxen (NPX) and ibuprofen (IBP). The physicochemical properties of the prepared adsorbents were comprehensively characterized, as well as batch experimental studies were carried out to probe the effect of contact time, solution pH, temperature, and coexisting ions on the adsorption process. The adsorption by the 3D mesoporous aerogel (Gel-1.0MOF-Sep) followed the pseudo-second order and the Langmuir isotherm models with maximum adsorption capacities of 8.515 and 10.23 mg/g for NPX and IBP, respectively (at 20 °C and pH 7). Furthermore, central composite design (CCD) in response surface methodology (RSM) was used to assess the simultaneous interactions of independent variables, results of which suggested that the initial concentration and pH were the dominant parameters in the adsorption process. Moreover, a thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption process was exothermic (ΔH° < 0) and thermodynamically spontaneous (ΔG° < 0). Reusability studies demonstrated that the composite aerogel exhibited superior adsorption efficiencies after five successive runs, indicating its potential use in practical applications. Furthermore, the adsorption mechanisms for the pollutants were ascribed to electrostatic interactions, π–π interactions, and hydrogen bonding. The insights show that the Gel-1.0MOF-Sep aerogels are promising alternative adsorbents for the removal of NSAIDs.

Removal of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics from wastewater by adsorption on cross-linked β-cyclodextrin

We present a method using the material in the form of cross-linked β-cyclodextrin (CD) showing high efficiency in the simultaneous removal of hazardous pollutants from sewage, such as diclofenac (DIC), ibuprofen (IBU), ketoprofen (KETO), naproxen (NAPR), salicylic acid (SALI) and tramadol (TRAM). The material is stable and particularly easy to regenerate. The sorbent probably remembers the shape of the contaminants, which increases its sorption capacity after the second use. The kinetics of the KETO adsorption process from one-, two- and three-component solutions are well described by the pseudo-second-order model. The maximum polymer capacity was 162.60 mg g−1. The interactions of KETO with CD were investigated, indicating that the main sorption mechanism is based on supramolecular interaction and uptake by a polymer network. The material is not sensitive to low pH and high salinity, so it can be used for the treatment of DIC, IBU, and KETO post-production wastewaters.

Highly efficient and rapid removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from environmental samples based on an eco-friendly ZIF-67-molecularly imprinted composite

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are emerging micropollutants, whose efficient removal from environmental samples has received widespread concern. In this study, an eco-friendly adsorbent based on a zeolitic imidazolate framework-molecularly imprinted composite (ZIF-67-MIP) was prepared in water and applied for the simultaneous removal of three NSAIDs containing diclofenac sodium, flunixin meglumine, and nimesulide. Characterization of the as-prepared ZIF-67-MIP was carried out via SEM, EDX, TEM, FTIR, XPS, TGA and zeta potential analysis. The Liu isotherm model was better fitter than other models for three NSAIDs, with the maximum adsorption capacities of 88.70 mg g−1 for diclofenac sodium, 79.78 mg g−1 for flunixin meglumine and 19.24 mg g−1 for nimesulide. Thermodynamic studies exhibited that the adsorption processes were spontaneous and endothermic. ZIF-67-MIP achieved rapid adsorption of three NSAIDs drugs, and the pseudo-second-order model was better fitted for the adsorption processes of diclofenac sodium and flunixin meglumine, whereas the Elovich model was better fitted for that of nimesulide. Furthermore, ZIF-67-MIP had high selectivity, and showed great performance in the removal of three NSAIDs from 11 environmental samples and regeneration studies. Therefore, the developed ZIF-67-MIP is a promising and eco-friendly adsorbent for the fast and efficient removal of NSAIDs from the environment.

Impact of Artificial Infiltration on the Removal of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs during Treatment of Surface Water

The content of pharmaceuticals in natural waters is steadily increasing. Especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often detected in natural waters due to their widespread use. This group of compounds includes commonly used representatives, such as paracetamol and ketoprofen. The quality of natural waters determines the processes applied for the treatment of drinking water. The methods used in order to remove pharmaceuticals from treated water include adsorption and biologically active filtration. Both processes also occur during artificial infiltration (forced flow of intake surface water through the ground to the collecting wells) at surface water intakes. The processes, which occur in the soil, change the water quality characteristics to a great extent. The goal of the study was to evaluate the removal efficiency of paracetamol and ketoprofen in the process of artificial infiltration used as a pre-treatment of surface water. The studies were conducted at a field experimental installation located at the technical artificial infiltration intake. The experimental installation consisted of three metering wells (piezometers) which were located on the way between the bank of the infiltration pond and the collecting well. The collected water samples allowed to evaluate the change of selected NSAIDs concentrations during the passage of water through the ground. The analysis procedure included solid phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Removal of the studied NSAIDs in the infiltration process occurred with variable effectiveness throughout the year. Paracetamol was removed with annual efficiency equal to 42%, although no significant removal of ketoprofen was observed.

Direct upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste bottles into α-Fe2O3 incorporated MIL-53(Al) for the synthesis of Al2O3/Fe3O4-encapsulated magnetic carbon composite and efficient removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into high-value-added materials can have a significant contribution to global environmental protection. In this study, considering the unique thermal behaviors of PET and metal salts (i.e., Al and Fe) under similar hydrothermal conditions, we proposed a novel solvent-free one-pot approach for the upcycling of PET. In a one-pot hydrothermal reaction at 220 ℃ under self-generated pressure, PET waste was depolymerized into starting monomers (terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol), Al-based metal–organic frameworks (MIL-53(Al)) were fabricated, and iron oxides (α-Fe2O3) were formed simultaneously. X-ray diffraction measurements clearly demonstrated that α-Fe2O3 incorporated MIL-53(Al) (α-Fe2O3/MIL-53(Al)) was successfully synthesized directly from PET waste bottles via a novel green approach. After the annealing process, the α-Fe2O3/MIL-53(Al) precursor was successfully converted to an Al2O3/Fe3O4-encapsulated magnetic carbon composite (Al/[email protected]). The feasibility test proved that the Al/[email protected] prepared at an annealing temperature of 600 ℃ (Al/[email protected]600) effectively removed four common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e., ibuprofen (96.31%), diclofenac (66.84%), naproxen (87.83%), and ketoprofen (90.07%). Owing to its low removal rate, diclofenac was selected as the target pollutant, and the adsorption parameters were optimized using response surface methodology. Under the optimized conditions (solution pH = 5.0, adsorbent dosage = 1.21 g/L, and contact time = 15 h), the maximum actual diclofenac removal (92.94%) was obtained, which agreed with the maximum theoretical value (93.15%). In addition, Al/[email protected]600 exhibited excellent reusability (removal rate > 85%) after five repetitive adsorption-regeneration cycles. This study demonstrates the promising opportunities for the upcycling PET waste bottles as efficient adsorbents for the removal of emerging environmental contaminants.

A Review on the Application of Zeolites and Mesoporous Silica Materials in the Removal of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Antibiotics from Water.

Zeolites and mesoporous silica materials are effective adsorbents that can be useful for the removal of various pharmaceuticals including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics from low-quality water. This paper summarizes the properties and basic characteristics of zeolites and mesoporous silica materials and reviews the recent studies on the efficacy of the adsorption of selected non-steroidal medicinal products and antibiotics by these adsorbents to assess the potential opportunities and challenges of using them in water treatment. It was found that the adsorption capacity of sorbents with high silica content is related to their surface hydrophobicity (hydrophilicity) and structural features, such as micropore volume and pore size, as well as the properties of the studied medicinal products. This review can be of help to scientists to develop an effective strategy for reducing the amount of these two groups of pharmaceuticals in wastewater.

Removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from water with activated carbons synthetized from waste murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru Mart.): Characterization and adsorption studies

This manuscript aimed to evaluate the adsorption of ibuprofen (IBU) and naproxen (NPX) using chemically activated carbon (CAC) with ZnCl2 synthesized from the waste of murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru Mart.). The adsorbent was characterized in terms of its textural and physicochemical properties by determining its specific surface area (SBET), pore volume (Vtotal), percentage of ash, moisture, and yield, by FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD and TGA/DTA, as well as surface functional group, surface pH, and zero-charge point (pHPZC) analyses. Batch adsorption testing was carried out to evaluate the effect of adsorbent dosage, contact time, and pH. Adsorption mechanisms and the nature of the process were elucidated through kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics studies. The best results of removal percentage (>70%) and adsorption capacity (>2.2 mg/g) for both adsorbates were obtained with 0.15 g CAC, pH 3.0 and 360 min. The kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, with external diffusion the rate-determining step. The isotherms were well fitted by the Freundlich isotherm. The thermodynamic data revealed the endothermic, physical, and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. The results obtained in this work reveal that CAC can be used as an efficient and viable alternative adsorbent for the removal of ibuprofen and naproxen in effluent treatment processes.

Removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from water by zeolite-rich composites: The interference of inorganic anions on the ibuprofen and naproxen adsorption

Composites of two natural zeolites – clinoptilolite and phillipsite, and cationic surfactants (cetylpyridinium chloride and Arquad® 2HT-75) were tested for the removal of two emerging contaminants – ibuprofen and naproxen. For each zeolite-rich rock, two different modifications of the zeolitic surfaces were prepared (monolayer and bilayer surfactant coverage). The influence of the initial drug concentrations and contact time on adsorption of these drugs was followed in buffer solution. The Langmuir model showed the highest adsorption capacity for the composite characterized by a bilayered surfactant at the clinoptilolite surface: 19.7 mg/g and 16.1 mg/g for ibuprofen and naproxen, respectively. Also, to simulate real systems, drug adsorption isotherms were conducted in natural water (Grindstone creek water – Columbia, Missouri, USA) by using the best performing adsorbent; in this case, a slight decrease of drug adsorption was recorded. Kinetic runs were performed in distilled water as well as in the presence of ions such as sulfates and bicarbonates; also, in this case, the interfering agents defined an adsorption decrease for bilayer composites.

Fabrication of Partially Graphitic Biochar for the Removal of Diclofenac and Ibuprofen from Aqueous Solution: Laboratory Conditions and Real Sample Applications

In this study, partially graphitic biochar was synthesized using peanut shell biomass and potassium ferrate (K2FeO4) with a simple strategy and applied for the removal of two commonly used nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen [IBU] and diclofenac [DCF]) from water. K2FeO4 0.1 M was found to be the suitable concentration for the conversion from pristine biochar to partially graphitic biochar. After modification, the scanning electron microscopy image revealed an extremely rough and heterogeneous surface of the modified biochar (PK01), while the HRTEM, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectra analyses indicated the presence of graphitic component in PK01 structure. Characterization results indicated that the synthesized nanomaterial simultaneously possessed the properties of graphitic carbon and porous biochar with relatively large specific surface area (374.0 m2/g), as well as micro/mesopore structure. The effect of ambient conditions (contact time, temperature, and solution pH) on the adsorption processes of two contaminants was investigated. The experimental results suggested that the pseudo-second-order, Langmuir, and Freundlich models could well describe the attached behavior of IBU and DCF onto the adsorbent (PK01). In all experiments (single, binary, and real water sample systems), DCF exhibited higher adsorption capacity compared to that of IBU, due to the more H-bond acceptor of the DCF molecule compared with IBU. The H-bonding interactions could be the major driving force for the attachment of two adsorbates onto the adsorbent surface, followed by electrostatic attractions, and π-π EDA interactions. Based on the experimental results, PK01 can be suggested as a potential adsorbent for the removal of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from water bodies.

Green Microalgae Scenedesmus Obliquus Utilization for the Adsorptive Removal of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) from Water Samples.

In view of the valorisation of the green microalga Scenedesmus obliquus biomass, it was used for the biosorption of two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, namely salicylic acid and ibuprofen, from water. Microalgae biomass was characterized, namely by the determination of the point of zero charge (pHPZC), by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Kinetic and equilibrium batch experiments were carried out and results were found to fit the pseudo-second order equation and the Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. The Langmuir maximum capacity determined for salicylic acid (63 mg g−1) was larger than for ibuprofen (12 mg g−1), which was also verified for a commercial activated carbon used as reference (with capacities of 250 and 147 mg g−1, respectively). For both pharmaceuticals, the determination of thermodynamic parameters allowed us to infer that adsorption onto microalgae biomass was spontaneous, favourable and exothermic. Furthermore, based on the biomass characterization after adsorption and energy associated with the process, it was deduced that the removal of salicylic acid and ibuprofen by Scenedesmus obliquus biomass occurred by physical interaction.

Biopolymer electrospun nanofibres for the adsorption of pharmaceuticals from water systems

The focus of this study was on developing a method for the effective removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ketoprofen, fenoprofen, diclofenac and ibuprofen) and carbamazepine from wastewater using nanofibres from Moringa seeds protein/PVA blend. Parameters that could affect the removal of selected pharmaceuticals such as adsorbent dosage, pH, initial concentration, temperature and contact time were optimised. The optimized method was applied to real wastewater samples collected from a wastewater treatment plant. Under optimum conditions, the percentage removal was found to range from 84.5 to 97.4% for standard mixture solution and from 70.5% to 92.5 and 77.8. to 96.1% for the real wastewater (i.e. influent and effluent respectively). The adsorption data was well fitted in the Freundlich isotherm than Langmuir isotherm for all the groups of pharmaceuticals studied. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained ranged from 31.25 to 333.33 mg g−1. The interaction between the drugs and the nanofibres predominantly occurred by chemisorption rather than by physisorption. The results obtained demonstrated that nanofibres fabricated from biomaterials could perform better than previously published materials.

Removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and carbamazepine from wastewater using water-soluble protein extracted from Moringa stenopetala seeds

This study focuses on developing a method for the effective removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ketoprofen, fenoprofen, diclofenac and ibuprofen) and carbamazepine from wastewater using water-soluble proteins, which were extracted from Moringa stenopetala seeds. The functional groups and the surface charge of water-soluble protein powder were evaluated using FTIR and Zetasizer Nano ZS. Different parameters that affect the removal of selected pharmaceuticals such as initial concentration, the amount of the removing material and pH were optimized. The optimized method was applied to real wastewater samples collected from a wastewater treatment plant. A 100% removal was observed for all analytes under optimum conditions (4 mg dose of water-soluble protein powder, 1 ppm concentration of mixture a NSAIDs and at pH 3) for a synthetic standard solution prepared in ultra-high purity water. A slight decrease in the removal efficiency for the NSAIDs (82–86%) was observed when the water-soluble protein was applied to real wastewater samples. Despite the slight drop, such levels are still higher than those achieved with most advanced technologies and comparable with others. The attractiveness of this approach is its efficiency, environmental friendliness and that it is cost effective. The results thus demonstrate the capacity of water-soluble protein of Moringa stenopetala seed as an effective and efficient material for the removal of pharmaceutical drugs from environmental waters.