Magnetically Modified Bentonite for Optimized Erythromycin Removal via RSM and DFT Analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Erythromycin (ERY) is a persistent environmental pollutant due to low degradability.
• Accumulation of ERY in wastewater and soil poses ecological risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel magnetic adsorbent for enhanced ERY removal.
• To optimize adsorption conditions and understand the adsorption mechanism.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of magnetically modified bentonite using Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
• Adsorption experiments and isotherm/kinetic modeling (Dubinin-Radushkevich, pseudo-first-order).
• Optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and molecular-level analysis via DFT.

Main Results:

• Magnetically modified bentonite showed increased surface area and optimal adsorption at pH 11.
• RSM identified optimal conditions: 41.9 mg adsorbent, 29.1 °C, 9.6 h, achieving 96.2% ERY removal.
• DFT analysis confirmed strong interactions between ERY, Fe3O4, and bentonite, validating the adsorption mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Magnetically modified bentonite is a highly effective adsorbent for ERY removal.
• The study provides a promising, efficient method for mitigating antibiotic contamination in aqueous environments.