Researchers have developed an innovative technique to remove a common antibiotic called nalidixic acid from water using bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles. Antibiotics in water can contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a serious threat to public health. This study demonstrates the potential of BSA nanoparticles as an effective, eco-friendly, and low-cost adsorbent for eliminating antibiotics from wastewater. The findings could lead to the development of new strategies to tackle the growing problem of pharmaceutical pollution in water bodies. Antibiotic resistance is a major global health concern, and this research represents an important step towards addressing it.
Tackling the Threat of Antibiotic Pollution
The presence of antibiotics in water bodies is a growing environmental concern worldwide. When people and animals excrete antibiotics, they can end up in wastewater and eventually contaminate rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This is problematic because it can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs,” which are increasingly difficult to treat.
Exploring a Nanoparticle-Based Solution
In this study, researchers investigated the use of bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles as an adsorbent to remove the antibiotic nalidixic acid from aqueous solutions. BSA is a protein found in the blood of cattle and is known for its biocompatibility and stability under specific conditions, making it a promising material for water treatment applications.
The researchers synthesized the BSA nanoparticles using a desolvation technique and characterized them using various analytical methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and spectroscopy. They then investigated the factors that influence the adsorption process, including the adsorbent dosage, initial antibiotic concentration, and contact time.
Efficient Antibiotic Removal
The results showed that the BSA nanoparticles were highly effective in removing nalidixic acid from the water samples. Under optimal conditions, the nanoparticles achieved a removal efficiency of up to 75% and a maximum adsorption capacity of 240 milligrams per gram.
Further analysis revealed that the adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm model, suggesting a multilayer adsorption mechanism. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model also accurately represented the adsorption kinetics, indicating that the process was controlled by chemical interactions between the nanoparticles and the antibiotic.
Unlocking the Potential of BSA Nanoparticles
The study’s findings demonstrate the potential of BSA nanoparticles as a promising adsorbent for the removal of antibiotics from water. Compared to other adsorbents, the BSA nanoparticles exhibited excellent adsorption capacity and efficiency, making them a viable option for addressing the growing problem of pharmaceutical pollution in aquatic environments.
Moreover, the researchers noted the advantages of BSA nanoparticles, such as their low-cost production, biocompatibility, and potential for scalability. These characteristics could make them an attractive and sustainable solution for water treatment applications.
Towards a Cleaner and Safer Water Future
This research represents an important step towards developing effective and eco-friendly strategies to remove antibiotics and other emerging contaminants from water. By harnessing the adsorptive power of BSA nanoparticles, the researchers have opened up new possibilities for addressing the pressing issue of antibiotic pollution and the associated risks to public health and the environment.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, innovative solutions like this one offer hope for a future where our water resources are cleaner and safer for all.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Masoumeh Ghahremani, Hossein Danafar, Parastoo Afshari, Mehran Mohammadian Fazli, Hamed Bahrami.
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