The adsorptive removal of a cationic drug from aqueous solution using poly (methacrylic acid) hydrogels

Abstract

This study describes adsorptive removal of the antibiotic drug ciprofoxacin hydrochloride from simulated water using poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) as adsorbent. Te adsorbent was characterised by various instrumental techniques such as X-ray difraction (XRD), diferential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Te adsorption equilibrium data, as studied at 3 temperatures, namely, 15, 25 and 37°C, were best interpreted by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Moreover, an increase in temperature reduces drug uptake. A pH of the adsorption system in the range of 5.0 to 8.0 causes maximum adsorption of the drug. Te presence of drug molecules in the adsorbent particles was shown by various techniques: X-ray difraction (XRD), diferential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Antibacterial studies also reveal the adsorption of the drug from solution.