Design and fabrication of nano-composite ceramic membranes for the adsorption of antibiotics from pharmaceutical wastewater

Abstract

Antibiotic contamination in pharmaceutical wastewater poses environmental and public health risks. This study synthesized a nanocomposite ceramic adsorbent from clay, cow bone powder (hydroxyapatite nanoparticles), and human hair for antibiotic removal. The adsorbent exhibited high mechanical strength (3.6 bar), chemical stability, and a large surface area (171.32 m² g⁻¹). Characterization (FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM, BET) confirmed successful nanoparticle incorporation. In a vertical fixed-bed column, optimal removal occurred at pH 7, 25 g adsorbent, 25 °C, and 40 min contact time. Adsorption was endothermic, following pseudo-first-order and intraparticle diffusion models. The adsorbent retained >90% efficiency after 142 regeneration cycles, proving its durability and cost-effectiveness.