PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZINC CROSSLINKED CHITOSAN MEMBRANE AS AN EFFECTIVE ADSORPTION MATERIAL FOR AMOXICILLIN IN PHARMACEUTICAL WASTEWATER.

This study aims to synthesize a zinc crosslinked chitosan (Chi/Zn) membrane as an adsorbent for amoxicillin in pharmaceutical wastewater. The Chi/Zn membranes were prepared over 14 hours at 50 °C with varying chitosan and zinc concentrations. FTIR analysis confirmed successful crosslinking by identifying hydroxyl (O-H), carbonyl (C-O), and amine groups (NH2), along with N-Zn and O-Zn interactions. XRD analysis indicated an amorphous structure, while SEM revealed rough, uneven surfaces. The highest adsorption capacity of a chitosan membrane occurs at a concentration of 60 mg/L. At this concentration, the pure chitosan membrane's adsorption effectiveness and capacity are 42.2% and 42.2 mg/L, respectively. The Chi/Zn membrane adsorbed amoxicillin with an adsorption efficiency of 58.86% with an adsorption capacity of 58.86 mg/g. Thus, it can be said that the chitosan/Zn membrane is quite effective in being applied as an amoxicillin adsorbent in pharmaceutical waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]