ABSTRACT Pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments represent a serious risk to ecosystems and human health. Among these pollutants, the widely prescribed β‐blocker atenolol, commonly used to treat hypertension and angina, has been detected at concerning levels in water sources. In this study, an innovative green hydrogel is introduced, specifically designed for the removal of atenolol from aqueous systems. The hydrogel is synthesized through an eco‐friendly, rapid, and scalable method that employs carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and Spirulina platensis soluble polysaccharides (SPSs) cross‐linked with citric acid. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive methodological framework, which integrates green chemistry principles with experimental cost analysis to promote sustainable large‐scale applications. To improve the cost efficiency, the synthesis pathway was fully optimized, and activity‐based cost data were incorporated to develop improved production strategies for CMC/SPSs hydrogels. The hydrogel's morphology and structural properties were analyzed using SEM and FTIR. It demonstrated an outstanding adsorption capacity of 406 mg g −1 and retained high performance over five regeneration cycles under acidic pH conditions. Critical operational factors such as solution pH, contact time, and initial concentration were systematically examined. Kinetic modeling indicated that the fractal‐like pseudo‐ first and second‐order models provided the best fits, with optimal removal observed at pH 8.8 and 240 min of contact time. The process adheres to circular economy principles by utilizing renewable feedstocks, reducing environmental burdens, and promoting efficient pollutant remediation. A detailed cost analysis revealed an estimated production cost of approximately €2.13 per gram, with labor expenses constituting the dominant cost factor, especially during synthesis. Collectively, these findings highlight the feasibility of combining renewable materials and green chemistry approaches to achieve sustainable water purification, offering a promising and scalable approach for removing atenolol from wastewaters.
Efthymiopoulos et al. (Wed,) studied this question.