Scientists effectively remove caffeine and painkillers and turn food waste into water purifiers
Graphic summary. Photo credit: Chemosphere (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141787
Researchers at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague have made a significant breakthrough in water purification by developing low-cost activated carbon from biomass waste, specifically artichoke leaves and pomegranate peels. This innovative method effectively removes common pharmaceutical contaminants such as caffeine (CFN) and paracetamol (ACT) from water sources.
The results are published in the journal Chemosphere.
Activated carbon was synthesized from artichoke leaves (AAC) and pomegranate peels (PAC), materials that are usually disposed of as waste. This not only represents an economical solution but also contributes to waste reduction. The results of the study show that the activated carbon has impressive adsorption capacities of 290.86 mg/g for caffeine and 281.18 mg/g for paracetamol in single-component solutions. In addition, the adsorbents functioned efficiently over a wide pH range and exhibited high specific surface areas (1,095–1,203 m2/G).
The study used the central composite design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize the simultaneous removal of CFN and ACT. Statistical physics models were applied to describe the adsorption processes, suggesting an antagonistic effect of CFN on ACT adsorption.
The release of pharmaceuticals such as caffeine and paracetamol into water bodies poses a significant threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Conventional water treatment plants are often unable to effectively remove these pollutants. The development of this biomass-derived activated carbon offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to water treatment and addresses the growing problem of pharmaceutical pollution.
“This research highlights the potential of using agricultural waste to produce valuable materials for environmental remediation,” said Abir Melliti, corresponding author and researcher at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. “The successful removal of CFN and ACT demonstrates the feasibility of this approach in treating contaminated water and makes it a promising solution for industrial and municipal applications.”
Further information:
Abir Melliti et al., Sustainable removal of caffeine and paracetamol from water using activated carbon from biomass waste: synthesis, characterization and modeling, Chemosphere (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141787
Provided by the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague
Quote: Scientists can effectively remove caffeine and painkillers, turning food waste into water purifier (August 21, 2024), accessed August 21, 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-08-effective-caffeine-painkillers-scientists-food.html
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