Sorption Behavior of Ibuprofen and Naproxen in Simulated Domestic Wastewater

Paul, Samir C.; Githinji, Leonard J.M.; Ankumah, Ramble O.; Willian, Kyle R.; Pritchett, Gregory

Sorption Behavior of Ibuprofen and Naproxen in Simulated Domestic Wastewater

2014

Paul, Samir C. | Githinji, Leonard J.M. | Ankumah, Ramble O. | Willian, Kyle R. | Pritchett, Gregory

Reduction in the concentration of pharmaceuticals present in wastewater has been attributed to sorption and biodegradation. However, the contribution of these processes has not been fully characterized. Previous studies have reported varying effects of solution pH and concentration on sorption behavior of pharmaceuticals in different absorbents including activated carbon waste and zeolites. Here we report the pH and concentration effect on sorption of two common anti-inflammatory drugs, viz., ibuprofen and naproxen, on suspended solids in simulated domestic wastewater (SDWW). Batch experiments were conducted at various pH levels, viz., 3.5, 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5, and concentration, viz., 125, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 μg L⁻¹. The results showed that both ibuprofen and naproxen have higher sorption at lower pH values and at higher concentration. It was found that the data were comparatively well fitted to the Redlich–Peterson isotherm. The study revealed that both ibuprofen and naproxen can be removed from wastewater by the sorption process achieved by lowering the pH to values lower than pKₐand maintaining the concentration at an optimal value.

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