Abstract
Iron composite nanoparticles were prepared (90% yield) using macromolecule chitosan and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM & EDX). These were utilized to remove diclofenac sodium in water. The adjusted parameters were 400 μg/ L, 50.0 min., 5.0, 2.0 g/ L and 25.0 °C as concentration, contact time, pH, adsorbent amount and temperature for the elimination of diclofenac sodium in water with maximum 85% elimination. The sorption was spontaneous with exothermic. Data followed Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. Thermodynamic parameter ΔG° values were −12.19, −13.74 and −15.67 kJ/mol at 20, 25 and 30 °C temperatures. The values of ΔH° and ΔS° were 8.58 and 20.84 kJ/mol. Pseudo-first-order and liquid film diffusion mechanisms were proposed for the adsorption. This adsorption method is fast, effective eco-friendly and low-cost as it may be used in natural circumstances of water resources. The sorption method may be applied for the elimination of diclofenac sodium in any water body at a huge and financial scale.
•Preparation and characterization of iron composite nanoparticles (ICNPs).•Effective and efficient removal of diclofenac drug residue in water.•Capable to work at natural water pH (5.0–8.0).•Determination of thermodynamics, kinetics and mechanism of removal.