LAUSR

ABSTRACT A frequently utilized antiepileptic drugs, carbamazepine (CBZ), is often found in surface water and wastewater because of its resistance to traditional water treatment techniques. Its ongoing discharge into aquatic ecosystems creates environmental concerns and possible health dangers. Efficient, safe, and low-cost adsorbents for CBZ removal from water must thereby be created. For the treatment of CBZ-contaminated water, this work offers a unique bio-based adsorbent called AC/CB combining activated carbon (AC) and cuttlefish bone (CB). XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX investigations were used to completely describe the physical properties of AC/CB. Examined were many factors influencing CBZ adsorption: pH, temperature, adsorbent dose, and contact time. Especially, changes in pH had no effect on the effectiveness of CBZ adsorption. Using nine nonlinear equilibrium models, adsorption isotherms were investigated; the pseudo-first-order (PFO) and Langmuir models were found to be most appropriate. A statistical physics monolayer model explained the adsorption process, hence showing a vertical geometry and multi-ionic adsorption with 1.13 drug molecules adsorbed per functional group. The process was described as exothermic and the computed saturation adsorption capacity (Qsat) was 243.57 mg/g. Indicating physical force-driven interactions, estimated adsorption energies (∆E) were under 25 kJ/mol. When regenerated with diluted HCl, the adsorbent maintained an 87.3% efficiency for CBZ after five adsorption/desorption cycles. The cytotoxicity of AC/CB was also assessed to ensure its safety for environmental and biomedical applications. Cost study showed that 1 g of AC/CB would remove CBZ at a cost of 1.8 USD. Emphasizing its possible use in environmental cleanup, this study shows AC/CB as a promising, affordable adsorbent for effectively eliminating drugs from water-based solutions.