Adsorption properties of sugarcane bagasse and corn cob for the sulfamethoxazole removal in a fixed-bed column

Abstract Natural adsorbents are a good alternative to remove antibiotic residues from wastewater. In this study, the adsorption capacity of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) onto sugarcane bagasse (SB) and corn cob (CC) in continuous fixed-bed was compared. Brunauer Emmett Teller, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Boehm titration, point zero charge (pH pzc ) were used characterize both adsorbents. The (q e removal percentage SMX (% R) investigated at different flow rates (2, 5, 7 mL min ? 1 adsorbent masses (4 6.4 g), constant initial concentration 5 mg L . results characterization showed that SB has morphology with more dispersed particles specific surface higher than CC (2.6 > 1.2 m 2 g ). titration indicates have greater amount acid groups, which is agreement FTIR pH results. experiments % R q all tests. highest maximum 0.24 74% SB, 0.15 65% using CC. most cases, decreased increase rate bed height. An analysis suggests hydrogen bonds could be main factor favoring SB. Finally, intraparticle diffusion rate-controlling step, predominating pore-volume resistance.