Removal of the Water Pollutant Ciprofloxacin Using Biodegradable Sorbent Polymers Obtained from Polysaccharides

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Polymer Science
• Water Treatment

Background:

• Global water use is rising, necessitating efficient pollutant removal methods.
• Pollutants compromise water recycling and reuse, posing challenges for emerging economies.
• Economically and environmentally feasible solutions are crucial for large-scale water remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel, eco-friendly sorbent polymers from biodegradable polysaccharides.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these polymers in removing antibiotic pollutants, specifically ciprofloxacin (CIP).
• To explore the potential of these materials for sustainable water remediation.

Main Methods:

• Cross-linking of biodegradable polysaccharides (starch, dextrin) with divinyl sulfone to create insoluble polymers (pSt, pDx).
• Evaluation of polymer performance in removing ciprofloxacin (CIP) from water.
• Investigation of sorption behavior, including pH dependence and regeneration capabilities.

Main Results:

• pSt demonstrated a high removal rate (>92%) and a high distribution coefficient (Kd = 1469 L/kg) for CIP.
• Sorption of CIP by pSt was pH-dependent, enhanced at mildly alkaline pH.
• pSt could be effectively regenerated and reused using an environmentally friendly treatment (20 mM AcONa, pH 4.6).

Conclusions:

• pSt is a novel, sustainable material for removing antibiotic pollution from inland and seawater.
• Its high affinity for CIP, even in high salt concentrations, affordability, and ease of synthesis/regeneration make it ideal for developing countries.
• The solvent-free synthesis and regeneration underscore its eco-friendly profile for water remediation.