Use of Agarose-Coated Metal-Organic Composites as Adsorbents for the Measurement of Tetracycline Antibiotic

Background: In this study, the agarose-coated metal-organic framework nanocomposite (HKUST&Agarose) was made by in situ and subsequently characterized. Its capability to remove tetracycline from aqueous solutions was investigated. Objectives: The widespread use of tetracycline and the inefficiency of wastewater treatment have led to the detection of this drug in water sources, potentially posing negative effects on human health and ecosystems. Methods: The removal of tetracycline with nanocomposite material (HKUST@Agarose) as an adsorbent was investigated. Phase formation, type of bonds, appearance and size of the blocks, and their specific surface area size were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy tests. The influence of critical experimental parameters on the elimination process was systematically evaluated using statistical modeling software within the framework of response surface methodology. Optimal experimental conditions were achieved with enhanced adsorption performance at pH 4.0, ionic strength of 4%, and a contact time of 5.5 minutes between the adsorbent and the target compound. Results: Environmentally friendly production method, fast adsorption process, low cost, high efficiency due to high specific surface area and porous structure are among the most important advantages of the proposed nanocomposite as an adsorbent. Conclusions: The mean of extraction, enrichment factor, limit of detection, linear range, and relative standard deviation for the quantity of tetracycline were 96.6%, 16.7, 0.032 mg/L, 0.09 - 20 mg/L, and 3.68%, respectively.