Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Water Using Char Derived from Spent PVDF Membranes: Preliminary Modification Tests

Abstract

The contamination of water systems by pharmaceuticals has become a growing environmental concern due to their potential risks and the challenges associated with their removal. Adsorption is widely recognized as an efficient and sustainable water treatment method, and alternative adsorbents have gained attention as substitutes for conventional materials. This study investigates the potential of modified chars derived from spent ultrafiltration membranes (MC) for the removal of ciprofloxacin from water. The produced MC exhibited a microporous structure with 344.64 m2/g surface area. Different modification techniques were applied: acid activation (AMC), alkali-acid activation (AAMC), and magnetization (MMC). AMC and MMC demonstrated the highest adsorption capacities (9.1 and 9.4 mg/g) and removal efficiencies (32.3 and 32.1%). Given their adsorption performance, these preliminary findings suggest that MC-based adsorbents could be a promising alternative material for water treatment.