Amoxicillin Trihydrate Characterization and investigative adsorption using a Brazilian montmorillonite

Abstract

The objective of this work was to investigate the adsorptive potential of a previously benefited and characterized brazilian montmorillonite sample, regarding amoxicillin trihydrate removal, a zwitterionic species, present in aqueous solutions. 500 mg capsule of antibiotic was properly characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM/ EDS and surface charge measurement through Zeta potential. Amoxicillin aqueous solution and supernatants from adsorption essays were characterized by Molecular Absorption Spectrophotometry in Ultraviolet-Visible Region (UV/VIS), from 200 to 400 nm. Three investigative essays were performed, varying montmorillonite mass (0.050, 0.525 and 1.000 g) and contact time between substances (10, 95 and 180 min). Amoxicillin sample is crystalline, morphologically prismatic, essentially composed of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, hydrogen and oxygen. Its zwitterionic character was confirmed by Zeta potential, presenting positive (pH 2 to 4), relatively neutral (pH 4 to 6), and negative (above pH 6) surface charges. Test results indicated that the highest removals (21.4 and 41.8 %) were for the largest clay mineral masses (0.525 and 1.000 g, respectively), with pHs close to amoxicillin pka 1 (2.68). Larger clay mineral masses have more adsorbent sites, which, associated with components opposite charges in desired pH range, promote a greater interaction. Thus, brazilian montmorillonite can promote amoxicillin removal from aqueous solutions.