Ciprofloxacin removal using magnetic fullerene nanocomposite obtained from sustainable PET bottle wastes: Adsorption process optimization, kinetics, isotherm, regeneration and recycling studies

Numerous of pollutants threaten our planet, for instance plastic wastes causes a huge potential risk on the environment in addition to many of emergened pollutants as pharmaceutical residue in aquatic environments which affecting ecological balance and in-turn affecting human health. Accordingly, this research proposed an innovative facile, one-step synthesis of functionalized magnetic fullerene nanocomposite (FMFN) via catalytic thermal decomposition of sustainable poly (ethylene terephthalate) bottle wastes as feedstock and ferrocene as a catalyst and precursor of magnetite. Growth mechanism of FMFN was discussed and batch experiments were achieved to examine its adsorption efficiency in relation to Ciprofloxacin antibiotic. Different adsorption parameters including time, initial Ciprofloxacin concentration, and solution temperature were investigated and optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model. In addition, a study on the antibiotic adsorption process impact on the organisms of an ecosystem was conducted using E. coli DH5α, and results validated method's efficiency in overcoming problem of appearance of antibiotic-resistant microbes. [Display omitted] •FMFN was prepared from PET waste bottles and firstly applied for Ciprofloxacin removal.•Adsorption behaviour of FMFN was optimized at a pH of 6.•Adsorption process was accompanied by electrostatic and π-π stacking interaction.•Presence of iron phase strongly enhanced adsorption capacity and adsorbent recycling.