SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COPPER AND IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES ROLE FOR REMOVAL OF TETRACYCLINE ANTIBIOTIC FROM WASTEWATER

Abstract

Antibiotics are biologically active chemical compounds that can be obtained from natural sources or produced synthetically. These substances are widely used to eliminate microorganisms or inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. It is estimated that the global consumption of antibiotics ranges between approximately 100,000 and 200,000 tons annually. However, a significant portion of these pharmaceuticals is not completely metabolized in living organisms, and the unmetabolized residues are subsequently released into the environment through various pathways. The accumulation of such antibiotic residues in water bodies and soil poses serious environmental risks, including toxic effects on aquatic organisms, potential carcinogenic impacts, and the development of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. In the present investigation, copper oxide (CuO) and iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles were synthesized and applied as adsorbents for the removal of tetracycline from aqueous solutions. The experimental results revealed that both nanoparticles exhibited considerable adsorption performance toward tetracycline. The maximum adsorption capacities were determined to be 108.7 mg/g for copper oxide nanoparticles and 120.5 mg/g for iron oxide nanoparticles. Analysis of equilibrium data indicated that the adsorption behavior followed the Freundlich isotherm model, suggesting multilayer adsorption occurring on a heterogeneous surface. Kinetic studies further revealed that the adsorption process is primarily governed by chemisorption mechanisms. The removal of tetracycline is likely influenced by several interaction mechanisms, including surface complexation, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable. Furthermore, both copper oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles showed good regeneration capability, retaining appreciable adsorption efficiency for up to three successive reuse cycles.