The current study
pertains to the synthesis of an EDTA-functionalized
β-cyclodextrin-chitosan (β-CD-CS-EDTA) composite via a
two-step process for the adsorptive removal of toxic heavy metallic
ions (i.e., Pb(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II)) and antibiotic micropollutant,
i.e., ciprofloxacin (CIP), from water. Different batch adsorption
experiments such as pH, reaction time and initial pollutant concentration
effects were carried out to identify the adsorption condition to attain
the maximum removal efficiency. Kinetics results fit well with the
pseudo-second order (PSO) kinetics model for both inorganic and organic
pollutants. However, adsorption of heavy metal ions to the adsorbent
was faster than that of CIP. Isotherms results showed excellent monolayer
adsorption capacities of 330.90, 161, and 118.90 mg g
–1
for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II), respectively, with a heterogeneous
adsorption capacity of 25.40 mg g
–1
for CIP. The
adsorption mechanism was investigated using energy dispersive X-ray
(EDX), elemental mapping, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques.
More significantly, the synthesized adsorbent gave good removal efficiencies
when it was applied to simultaneously adsorb metal ions and CIP from
real wastewater. Furthermore, excellent reusability could be obtained,
making it a viable alternative to remove the inorganic and organic
micropollutants for wastewater treatment.