Hybrid laccase‐functionalized granular activated carbon for sustainable removal of pharmaceutical contaminants

Abstract BACKGROUND A hybrid biocatalytic–adsorptive material was developed by immobilising Trametes versicolor laccase (EC 1.10.3.2; benzenediol:oxygen oxidoreductase) onto acid‐functionalised granular activated carbon (Lac‐GAC) for the removal of acetaminophen (APH), ibuprofen (IBU) and oxytetracycline (OTC) under environmentally relevant conditions. RESULTS In single‐component systems, adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, with maximum capacities exceeding 100 mg g −1 (R 2 > 0.98). In binary systems, antagonistic effects were observed for APH–IBU and APH–OTC mixtures, whereas OTC exhibited synergistic behaviour in the IBU–OTC system. Hydrolysis of OTC (45–66% contribution) was quantified and corrected in adsorption calculations. The Lac‐GAC hybrid exhibited a sequential adsorption–biodegradation mechanism. Although intrinsic adsorption capacity was lower than pristine GAC due to partial occupation of surface sites (protein loading 0.0078 mg mg −1 ; immobilisation yield 78.2%), pollutant elimination increased by nearly 100% after 72 h relative to the adsorption‐driven removal of Lac‐GAC, indicating enzymatic contribution. CONCLUSION The Lac‐GAC system integrates adsorption and catalytic oxidation under neutral conditions, providing sustained time‐dependent removal performance. The results clarify the interaction between competitive adsorption and enzymatic degradation in hybrid carbon–laccase systems. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).