Efficient removal of tetracycline from wastewater using chitosan-based aerogels functionalized with natural zeolite, Fe₃O₄, and MOF-808

In this study, chitosan (CS) aerogel, a CS/N-zeolite composite, and a magnetic nanocomposite (CS/N-zeolite/Fe₃O₄/MOF-808) were developed as efficient, eco-friendly adsorbents for tetracycline (TC) removal from pharmaceutical wastewater. Structural analysis confirmed successful synthesis, with surfac...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Fatemeh Babaei, Rauf Foroutan, Abolfazl Tutunchi, Mehrshad Ahmadi, Bahman Ramavandi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666893925003020
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Summary:In this study, chitosan (CS) aerogel, a CS/N-zeolite composite, and a magnetic nanocomposite (CS/N-zeolite/Fe₃O₄/MOF-808) were developed as efficient, eco-friendly adsorbents for tetracycline (TC) removal from pharmaceutical wastewater. Structural analysis confirmed successful synthesis, with surface areas of 5.908, 13.708, and 31.873 m²/g. XRD verified incorporation of MOF-808, N-zeolite, and Fe₃O₄ into the CS matrix. Under optimized conditions (pH 7, 50 °C, 10 mg/L TC, adsorbent doses of 2, 1.25, and 1 g/L, contact times of 90, 70, and 50 min), maximum TC removal rates were 98.94 %, 98.65 %, and 99.11 %, respectively. Thermodynamics indicated spontaneity and endothermic behavior, with negative Gibbs free energy and positive enthalpy values (26.326, 22.346, and 52.852 kJ/mol). Kinetic models fit well (R² > 0.95) to both pseudo-first and pseudo-second order, implying physical and chemical adsorption. The nanocomposite showed the highest initial adsorption rate (α = 6.002 mg/g·min). Equilibrium data fit Langmuir isotherm, indicating favorable, mainly physical adsorption. Maximum adsorption capacities for CS aerogel, CS/N-zeolite, and magnetic nanocomposite were 12.63, 23.21, and 31.69 mg/g, respectively. Reusability tests showed stable performance over multiple cycles. The CS/N-zeolite/Fe₃O₄/MOF-808 nanocomposite is a durable, recyclable adsorbent for TC removal from pharmaceutical effluents.
ISSN:2666-8939