OPTIMIZATION AND KINETICS FOR ADSORPTION OF AMOXICILLIN ON ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM BANANA PEELS

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2026-08-30
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CHEROP CONNIE
Abstract
The increasing presence of antibiotic residues, such as amoxicillin (AMX), in wastewater poses significant risks to environmental and human health, necessitating sustainable, low-cost treatment methods. This study investigates the production of activated carbon from agricultural waste (banana peels) for the removal of amoxicillin from aqueous solutions. Banana peel-activated carbon (BPAC) was prepared through chemical activation followed by carbonization (350–700°C). And UV spectrum. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to determine the effects of pH (2–12), contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial AMX concentration, and temperature on removal efficiency. Optimization studies indicated that maximum amoxicillin removal efficiency (~85–96%) occurred at an acidic pH (approx. 4.0–5.0), a contact time of 120 minutes, and an adsorbent dose of 1.2 g/L. Kinetic data were best described by the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. The adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model, indicating a monolayer adsorption capacity. Activated carbon derived from banana peels is a sustainable and efficient bio sorbent for removing amoxicillin from wastewater. The process is spontaneous and influenced by pH and temperature, making it a viable alternative for the tertiary treatment of pharmaceutical-laden wastewater.
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CHEROP CONNIE