Nano-clay montmorillonite removes tetracycline in water: Factors and adsorption mechanism in aquatic environments

Summary: In response to escalating environmental concerns surrounding antibiotic pollution, the utilization of calcium-montmorillonite minerals for tetracycline wastewater treatment is gaining prominence. This study systematically analyzed the physicochemical properties of calcium-montmorillonite through scanning electron microscope, contact angle analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It explored the adsorption efficacy and mechanisms for tetracycline removal, considering factors like initial pH, adsorption duration, concentration, and co-cations (Na+ and Ca2+). Under optimized conditions, achieving over 90% tetracycline removal with a maximum adsorption capacity of 526 mg/g, the study revealed competitive adsorption sites for coexisting cations. The Langmuir model best described the monolayer adsorption process, while kinetic studies favored the pseudo-first-order model. This research offers comprehensive insights into tetracycline adsorption on calcium-montmorillonite, emphasizing its potential as an efficient, cost-effective adsorbent for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.