Sustainable functionalized smectitic clay-based nano hydrated zirconium oxides for enhanced levofloxacin sorption from aqueous medium

Abstract

In this study, the functionalized smectitic clay (SC)-based nanoscale hydrated zirconium oxide (ZrO-SC) was successfully synthesized and utilized for the adsorptive removal of levofloxacin (LVN) from an aqueous medium. The synthesized ZrO-SC and its precursors (SC and hydrated zirconium oxide (ZrO(OH)2)) were extensively characterized using various analytical methods to get insight into their physicochemical properties. The results of stability investigation confirmed that ZrO-SC composite is chemically stable in strongly acidic medium. The surface measurements revealed that ZrO impregnation to SC resulted in an increased surface area (six-fold higher than SC). The maximum sorption capacity of ZrO-SC for LVN was 356.98 and 68.87 mg g−1 during batch and continuous flow mode studies, respectively. The mechanistic studies of LVN sorption onto ZrO-SC revealed that various sorption mechanisms, such as interlayer complexation, π-π interaction, electrostatic interaction, and surface complexation were involved. The kinetic studies of ZrO-SC in the continuous-flow mode indicated the better applicability of Thomas model. However, the good fitting of Clark model suggested the multi-layer sorption of LVN. The cost estimation of the studied sorbents was also assessed. The obtained results indicate that ZrO-SC is capable of removing LVN and other emergent pollutants from water at a reasonable cost.