Efficiency of carbamazepine removal using adsorbent materials obtained from coffee processing waste

Currently, pharmaceutical emerging contaminants (PECs) have raised significant concern within the scientific community due to their potential impact on aquatic ecosystems. Among these, Carbamazepine (CBZ) stands out as a contaminant of environmental concern due to its recalcitrant and persistent nature, resisting natural degradation processes. Various technologies have been tested for its removal, highlighting coffee husk as a promising alternative for environmental remediation through the production of adsorbent materials. This study focused on evaluating the removal efficiency of Carbamazepine using adsorbent materials (AMs) derived from coffee processing residues. Twenty AMs were synthesized through physical and chemical treatments (under basic and acidic conditions) at different temperatures (600°C and 900°C). Adsorption profiles were conducted to assess the capacity of the AMs to remove CBZ and their overall efficiency. The most efficient AM was physicochemically characterized to analyze its removal mechanisms. Results demonstrated that adsorbent materials prepared under basic conditions exhibited adsorption capacities exceeding 90 mg·g?¹. Furthermore, characterization revealed the presence of surface porosity, which may enhance the removal efficiency of PECs.