Mitigation of Metronidazole (Flagyl) pollution in aqueous media by adsorption: a review

ABSTRACT

In light of the changing consumption and lifestyle patterns, emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical compounds in the ecosystem are now a cause for concern. Metronidazole (MNZ) also known as Flagyl is a popular antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiprotozoal. It has been reported in water bodies as an environmental pollutant. The aim of this paper was to review the research findings on the adsorption of MNZ from aqueous media to synthesise the research results and observe trends whilst pinpointing interesting areas for future work. It was observed from the review that activated carbon and metal–organic frameworks are the best class of adsorbents for the removal of MNZ from aqueous media. A wide range of values for the thermodynamic parameters (both negative and positive) has been reported for MNZ across different studies which were suggestive of the nature of the adsorbent being the important factor that determines the thermodynamics of MNZ adsorption. MNZ is capably desorbed by eluents like HCl and acetone but much work is still needed in this area. Gaps in knowledge abound in desorption studies, column/continuous flow adsorption studies, competitive adsorption studies and hybrid adsorptive processes.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Adsorption
• ecotoxicology
• environment
• Metronidazole
• pollution

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributors

Joshua O. Ighalo obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering (2015) from the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. He also obtained a Masters’ Degree in Chemical Engineering (2020) from the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. He is an academic staff of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. His research interests include computer-aided modelling and optimisation of chemical process systems, biofuel production, solid waste management, and environmental pollution control.

Chinenye Adaobi Igwegbe (formerly Chinenye Adaobi Onyechi) is a lecturer and research supervisor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. She obtained her Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering. Her research interest is in Environment, Energy and Sustainability: Adsorption, Coagulation-flocculation, Electrocoagulation, Waste Conversion, Material Characterization, Statistical Optimization, Stability studies, etc. She has published articles in the same areas.

Adewale George Adeniyi is a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. He is interested in process and product development with a focus on computer-aided modelling and the optimisation of chemical process systems, biofuel production, and solid waste recycling.

Comfort Abidemi Adeyanju obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in University of Ilorin, Nigeria. She is currently running her master’s degree programme in the same course in University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Her research interests are as follows: Environmental protection and waste management, process design and control, bio-product development.

Ogunniyi Samuel has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. He is currently undergoing his Masters’ Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. His research interests include Solid waste management system, chemical process optimisation, biofuel production, environmental pollution control and with a special focus on the adsorption process.