AMOXICILLIN REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER USING SRI LANKAN ACTIVATED CARBON: A KINETICS STUDY
M. D. A. S. Manchanayake1, B. M. W. P. K. Amarasinghe2, and G. K. Jayatunga3
1,2 Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 3Institiute of Technology University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Session: Technical Session C
Abstract
This research explores the kinetics of amoxicillin adsorption using activated carbon produced from Sri Lankan coconut shells. Batch adsorption experiments were performed, and the obtained data were analyzed using various kinetic models, including the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, liquid film diffusion, and intra-particle diffusion models. Among these, the pseudo-second-order model provided the best fit, indicating that chemisorption is the dominant mechanism. The results demonstrated that increasing the adsorbent dosage enhances the adsorption efficiency. Furthermore, the intra-particle diffusion model revealed a lower rate constant during the later phase, indicating that the adsorption rate significantly slows down at this stage. This suggests that intra-particle diffusion acts as the rate-limiting step. In contrast, the liquid film diffusion model presented a poor fitting, indicating external mass transfer resistance insignificantly affecting the adsorption process. These results provide the necessary hints toward optimizing water treatment processes related to the removal of such antibiotics as amoxicillin
Keywords: activated carbon, adsorption, Amoxicillin, kinetic model
DOI: 10.64752/PDXZ8678