Removal of Ibuprofen and Diclofenac using Azadirachta Indica leaves extract modified with Iron oxide

Plant-based adsorbents have the potential to replace commonly used chemical adsorbents due to their cost effectiveness, eco-friendly and non-toxic properties. In this study, the adsorption potential of green synthesized iron-oxide particles, using neem (Azadirachta Indica) leaves extract, was evaluated as a novel adsorbent for the removal of ibuprofen and diclofenac. The optimization of treatment factors for experimental design was undertaken via the Taguchi method. The adsorbent’s characterization was performed by the employment of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Four adsorption factors were kept under consideration during experimental runs for each drug; initial concentration (10-40 ppm), contact time (10-40min), pH level (3-9), and adsorbent dosage (0.1-0.4g/L). Maximum removal efficiency as indicated by the results, was 81.89% for ibuprofen and 80.82% for diclofenac, achieved at optimum conditions of pH 5, 40 ppm initial concentration, 40min contact time, and 0.3g/L adsorbent dose. Among the adsorption factors, pH and initial concentration were observed to exert the greatest influence on the removal efficiencies for both drugs. The maximum adsorption capacity of adsorbent was 81.96mg/g and 81.46mg/g for diclofenac and ibuprofen, respectively. Freundlich isotherm fitted best to the removal both pharmaceutical compounds. The adsorbent used in this study demonstrated significantly higher removal potential and adsorption capacity for diclofenac and ibuprofen as compared with previously used adsorbents.