Peach gum-derived aminated magnetic gel: An exceptional and recyclable adsorbent for efficient removal of diclofenac sodium

The ecological impact of wastewater effluents containing diclofenac sodium (DS) has become a growing concern. To mitigate this issue, we have developed an efficient adsorbent, aminated magnetic peach gum gel (AMPGG), derived from the naturally occurring hyperbranched peach gum polysaccharide. AMPGG is characterized by its positively charged surface, porous structure, large surface area, and magnetic separation capabilities, making it an outstanding adsorbent for DS. The adsorption studies reveal that AMPGG exhibits exceptional performance in removing DS from aqueous solutions, as evidenced by its high adsorption capacity, rapid adsorption rate, and excellent reusability. The AMPGG shows rapid adsorption towards DS, achieving equilibrium within about 20 min, with the majority of adsorption occurring within the first 10 min. The adsorption process is characterized as endothermic and spontaneous, and it is well-described by the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. AMPGG demonstrates an impressive maximum adsorption capacity of 485.44 mg/g. The ease of recovery through magnetic separation and the ability to reuse AMPGG without a significant decline in adsorption efficiency highlight its sustainability and potential for practical application in DS removal. These attributes make AMPGG a promising candidate for addressing the environmental challenges posed by DS-contaminated wastewater.