Sorptive uptake of anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen by waste biomass–derived biochar: experimental and statistical analysis

In the current study, the sorptive potency of raw biochar (TRB) and chemically activated biochar (TCAB) derived from waste precursor tamarind seed was examined to eliminate pharmaceutical micropollutant ibuprofen (IBP) in aqueous media. Considered parametric conditions towards sorptive IBP removal were contact period (1–24 h), pH (1–7), initial concentration (1–50 mg/l), adsorbent dose (0.033–6.66 g/l), agitation speed (100–180 rpm) and temperature (15–45 °C) for both TRB and TCAB. The sorptive efficacy of TRB and TCAB was well characterized by FTIR, SEM and EDAX analysis. The removal process was optimized using central composite design (CCD) with 2 4 full-factorial approach. Adsorption equilibrium study signified that this technique conformed to Langmuir isotherm, and the kinetic study indicated that the best fit model was of a pseudo-second order for both biochars. Thermodynamic studies revealed the exothermic nature of adsorption. After the repeated usage of sorbents in multiple cycles, they proved proficiencies in effective application. The cost estimation of engineered adsorbents was found to be apposite towards commercial utilization. The maximum removal percentage for TRB and TCAB was 72.29% at 40 °C and 95.44% at 35 °C temperature respectively for 3-h contact duration. Thus, the sorptive exclusion of IBP from aqueous media could be achieved using biochar made from tamarind seeds.