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Application of Agricultural Waste-Based Activated Carbon for Antibiotic Removal in Wastewaters: A Comprehensive Review Publisher



Zafar FF1 ; Barati B1 ; Sanaei D2 ; Yousefzadeh S3, 4 ; Ahmadi E3, 5 ; Ansari M6, 7 ; Ghalhari MR8 ; Rasoulzadeh H2 ; Zheng X1 ; Wang S1 ; Chen H1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. School of Energy and Power Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
  2. 2. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1983969411, Iran
  3. 3. Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, 8715973474, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Health, Safety and Environment Management, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, 8715973474, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, 8715973474, Iran
  6. 6. Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, 3419915315, Iran
  7. 7. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, 3419915315, Iran
  8. 8. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1417613151, Iran

Source: Water (Switzerland) Published:2025


Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used primarily in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) because it interferes with hormonal systems. Over the decades, several techniques have been proposed for BPA removal in wastewaters. This study discusses recent advancements and progress of effective techniques for BPA removal, including membrane, adsorption, advanced oxidation process (AOPs), and biodegradation. The mechanisms of BPA adsorption on modified adsorbents include pore-filling, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Among the various agricultural waste adsorbents, Argan nut shell-microporous carbon (ANS@H20–120) exhibited the highest efficiency in removing BPA. Furthermore, the performance of magnetic treatment for activated carbon (AC) regeneration is introduced. According to the present study, researchers should prioritize agricultural waste-based adsorbents such as ACs, highly microporous carbons, nanoparticles, and polymers for the removal of BPA. In particular, the combination of adsorption and AOPs (advanced oxidations) is regarded as an efficient method for BPA removal. A series of relevant studies should be conducted at laboratory, pilot, and industrial scales for optimizing the application of agricultural waste-based AC to reduce BPA or other refractory pollutants from an aqueous environment. © 2025 by the authors.
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