Abstract
Clinoptilolite zeolite was functionalized with green MgO nanoplatelets utilizing the extract of green tea leaves in the presence of sonication irradiation forming green nanocomposite (MgO
(NP)
/Clino). The MgO
(NP)
/Clino was evaluated as an enhanced adsorbent for three types of quinolones antibiotics (levofloxacin (LF), ciprofloxacin (CF), and pefloxacin (PF)). The maximum MgO
(NP)
/Clino uptake capacities for LF (169.4 mg/g), CF (196 mg/g), and PF (185.18 mg/g) was higher than both clinoptilolite and MgO components. The kinetic behaviors of LF, CF, and PF adsorption follow the Pseudo-First order model with equilibration intervals of 240 min (LF), 240 min (CF), and 180 min (LF). The equilibrium investigation suggests Langmuir isotherm properties of monolayer and homogenous uptake processes for LF, CF, and PF. The Gaussian energies of LF (6.65 kJ/mol), CF (6.3 kJ/mol), and PF (7.4 kJ/mol) related to physical, spontaneous, and exothermic adsorption mechanisms considering the thermodynamic parameters. The MgO
(NP)
/Clino achieved remarkable capacities for LF, CF, and PF antibiotics either in the co-presence of anions (SO
4
2-
, PO
4
3-
, and NO
3
−
) or metal cations (Cd
2+
, Zn
2+
, and Pb
2+
). The recyclability assessment of MgO
(NP)
/Clino emphasized its high stability considering the five studied cycles.