M. Manigandaprasath and S. Thillainatarajan
Abstract
Antipyretic pharmaceuticals like Aspirin are commonly detected in surface water and wastewater due to incomplete removal by conventional treatment, posing ecological risks. This study investigates waste leather derived activated carbon (WLAC) as an eco-friendly adsorbent for Aspirin removal. WLAC was prepared via carbonization and controlled activation, yielding a high surface area and functional groups for effective binding. Batch adsorption experiments examined pH, contact time, initial concentration, dosage, and particle size. Maximum removal (>90%) occurred under acidic conditions. Adsorption followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model, indicating chemisorption, and fit well with the Langmuir isotherm, suggesting monolayer adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis showed the process is spontaneous and endothermic. WLAC offers a sustainable, low-cost, and efficient solution for Aspirin remediation in water treatment.