Adsorption and Photocatalysis Properties of Perlite During Oxytetracycline Removal

This investigation delves into the utilization of natural perlite mineral for the removal of oxytetracycline (OTC) from aqueous solutions. The study centers its focus on critical variables, including contact time, initial OTC concentration, and temperature. Optimal conditions were determined to be a contact time of 113 min, an initial concentration of 178 mg/L, and a temperature of 318 K. To gain insight into the kinetics of the adsorption process, both pseudo-first order (PFO) and pseudo-second order (PSO) models were meticulously applied. The analysis revealed a closer alignment of the experimental data with the pseudo-first order model (R2 = 0.9698). To further understand the adsorption behavior, two isotherm models, namely, Langmuir and Freundlich, were employed. The Freundlich model demonstrated a favorable fit, indicating that OTC adsorption occurred across multiple layers on the heterogeneous surface of the raw perlite. Additionally, a thermodynamic analysis unveiled the spontaneity, physisorption, and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. Lastly, the photocatalytic efficiency of perlite was assessed, revealing a remarkable enhancement in OTC removal efficiency from 81.11 to an impressive 99.97% when exposed to solar radiation.

Automated summary

This investigation explores the use of natural perlite mineral for removing oxytetracycline from aqueous solutions. The study analyzes the effects of contact time, initial concentration, and temperature on the removal efficiency. Kinetics of the adsorption process are studied using pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models. Isotherm models, including Langmuir and Freundlich, are employed to understand the adsorption behavior. A thermodynamic analysis is conducted to reveal the nature of the adsorption process. The study also evaluates the photocatalytic efficiency of perlite.