Adsorption of Diclofenac and Paracetamol by Activated Sludge

WOS: 000314084500005In this study, the removal properties of two anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals namely diclofenac and paracetamol through the adsorption by activated sludge were investigated in a batch system. Each pharmaceutical was found to be adsorbed by the activated sludge. It was found that the adsorption took place substantially at the first 20 to 40 minutes of the contact time and reached steady-state for both pharmaceuticals tested. Results obtained from the equilibrium experiments fitted to Freundlich isotherm model and Freundlich isotherm constants K-f and n were found 0.16 L mg(-1) ve 0.87 for diclofenac and 0.56 L mg(-1) ve 1.24 for paracetamol respectively. Sorption coefficient K-d, and octanol-water partition coefficient (K-ow) were also calculated for each pharmaceutical and compared with similar studies. Results showed that both pharmaceuticals exhibited moderate adsorption potential by activated sludge