Efficient elimination of fluoroquinolone antibiotics using graphene oxide: A comprehensive review

• Sources and environmental prevalence of key FQs including norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and moxifloxacin • Limitations of conventional removal technologies • The structural characteristics and functional potential of GO • Recent hybrid GO-based nanocomposites developed up to 2025 • Mechanistic insights, kinetic analyses, and recyclability assessments • Future research directions and challenges in real-time application scenarios The widespread abundance of fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics in aquatic systems has drawn global attention due to their persistence in wastewater streams. The real time applications of conventional remediation strategies are often limited due to their chemical stability, poor biodegradability and biocompatibility. In recent years, graphene oxide (GO) has become a suitable choice for addressing the challenges associated with traditional methods. GO offers a unique combination of high surface area, and excellent adsorption and photocatalytic enhancement capabilities. This comprehensive review describes the sources, environmental occurrence, chemical characteristics, and limitations of conventional removal techniques of fluoroquinolones, namely norfloxacin (NOR), ciprofloxacin (CIP), levofloxacin (LVX), ofloxacin (OFX) and moxifloxacin (MFX). The physicochemical properties of GO were introduced to validate its function as a highly efficient platform for FQ removal. A detailed report on the recent experimental developments of the GO based advanced hybrid nanocomposites up to 2025 for both the adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of FQs systems have been presented in this study. The reaction mechanisms, kinetic analyses, and recyclability studies were further investigated to explore the sustainable applicability of GO based FQ removal systems. This review is intended to serve as an essential resource for researchers and industry professionals in quest of sustainable and effective antibiotic remediation pathways.