Sorption of carbamazepine and naproxen in fixed-bed columns with HDTMA-modified zeolite

This study evaluated the sorption performance of HDTMA-modified clinoptilolite in fixed-bed columns for naproxen (NPX) and carbamazepine (CBZ) removal. Surface characterization (FTIR, SEM/EDS) confirmed surfactant anchoring and the formation of hydrophobic domains. Under optimal conditions (bed height = 15 cm, flow = 0.5 mL min⁻¹), 95 % NPX and 36 % CBZ removal were achieved, while a 1:2 NPX:CBZ mixture exhibited a cooperative π–π interaction enhancing CBZ removal up to 82 %. Breakthrough data were fitted to Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, and Bohart–Adams models, showing high correlation (R² > 0.95). The process required less than 0.1 kWh m⁻³ , demonstrating low energy demand and carbon footprint compared with advanced oxidation processes. These findings highlight the potential of HDTMA-zeolite as an affordable and sustainable adsorbent for continuous pharmaceutical removal.