Comparison of heterogeneous fenton process and adsorption process on magnetic nanocomposite for ciprofloxacin removal from aqueous solutions

Continuous input of antibiotics to the environment can cause many potential problems such as antibiotic resistance in pathogens. The aim of this study was to compare heterogeneous fenton process and adsorption process on magnetic nanocomposite for ciprofloxacin removal from aqueous solutions. This experimental study was conducted at the Hamadan University of Medical Science in 2014. The efficiency of magnetic nanocomposite for ciprofloxacin removal was assessed in a batch system considering 15-300 min reaction time, pH 4 - 10, 30-200 mg/L initial ciprofloxacin concentration, 1 - 3 g/L adsorbent and 5-25 mmol/L H2O2. Physical and structural characteristics of the synthesized adsorbent were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) techniques. The maximum efficiency of heterogeneous fenton process and adsorption process was obtained at pH 4 and 7 in which the efficiency of ciprofloxacin removal was 95% and 87%, respectively. The equilibrium adsorption data was well fitted with Langmuir isotherm. The r eaction rate had the best compatibility with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. With regards to the results, magnetic nanocomposite (Fe3O4/MWCNTs) can be considered as an acceptable adsorbent in heterogeneous fenton procces for ciprofloxacin removal from aqueous solutions.