Removal of ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen from water using chitosan-modified waste tire crumb rubber

The removal of anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen from aqueous solutions was investigated by a novel adsorbent which was prepared by the assembly of polymeric chitosan onto waste tire crumb rubber. The modified adsorbent demonstrated a capacity of 70.0, 17.7 and 2.3 mg/g for ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen, respectively. Various parameters affecting the removal efficiency of these drugs were optimized. pH 6 is optimal for the simultaneous removal of all three drugs. The adsorption of each of these anti-inflammatory drugs was found to follow the Freundlich isotherm model. In all, the chitosan-modified rubber has been demonstrated as an effective and economical adsorbent for removal of these compounds from water. [Display omitted] •A novel adsorbent was prepared by the assembly of chitosan onto waste tire rubber.•The removal of anti-inflammatory drugs from aqueous solutions was investigated.•Excellent removal efficiency of chitosan-waste tire rubber was achieved.•The adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics was studied.