Removal of Ceftriaxone Sodium From Water by Powdered Activated Carbon From Typha australis

The intensive use of pharmaceuticals and the fate of their metabolites in the environment are a growing concern. Antibiotics are one of the most important groups of drugs, due to their high consumption, eco-toxicity, and human toxicity. The aim of the present study was to develop an efficient method for the removal of ceftriaxone sodium by activated carbon obtained from Typha australis. Vegetal material was carbonized at four different temperatures (450°C, 500°C, 550°C, and 600°C) and activated with H₃PO₄. IR spectroscopy was used to characterize the materials. The iodine value and methylene blue adsorption were determined for porosity assessment of activated carbon samples. The results showed an adsorption rate for ceftriaxone sodium of 100% for a contact time of 60 min with the carbon activated at 600°C. From experimental raw data modeling, the maximum adsorption capacity was about 59.17 mg·g^-1. The adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The experimental data were well fitted by the models of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin. Ceftriaxone sodium removal was optimal at approximately pH 6 and 40°C, with agitation at 130 rpm.