Biomass-derived porous aminated graphitic nanosheets for removal of the pharmaceutical metronidazole: Optimization of physicochemical features and exploration of process mechanisms

The presence of trace levels pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in the aquatic environment threatens human health and environment. Metronidazole (MNZ) is a soluble PhAC with low biodegradability, possible mutant carcinogen. This study aimed synthesis, physicochemical characterizations, employment porous amine-modified green-graphene (AMGG) for MNZ removal from aqueous solutions. Response-surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Benken design (BBD) was used to assess adsorption efficiency AMGG as function pH (4–12), contact time (5–60 min), dose (0.1–1 g/L) concentration (10–100 mg/L). From model optimization, highest predicted at 5.9, 27 min, an 0.86 g /L, 100 mg /L. experimental data were agreement pseudo-second order kinetic Langmuir isotherm model. maximum capacity 416.7 mg/g. equilibrium increased about 4.8 mg/L when solution temperature by 20 oC (from 30 50 °C), indicative exothermic process. showed decrement 84 % 57 %, after five consecutive saturation-regeneration cycles. Moreover, 74 it employed real hospital wastewater treatment.