Synthesis, Characterization and Optimization of Magnetite Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Application in the Removal of Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)

Abstract

Diclofenac (DCF) remains one of the most extensively used sold anti-inflammatory and analgesics that have been in use for an extended period. It has been widely detected in aquatic environments at concentrations that are indicative of detrimental environmental effects in addition to its inclusion on the EU's first watch list therefore, its removal from the environment is crucial. In this study, a selective Molecularly Imprinted Polymer
(MIP) was synthesized via a bulk polymerization strategy with methacrylic acid (MAA) as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker, Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator and Diclofenac sodium (DCF) as the template molecule. The structure of the prepared MIP/ NIP was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Several parameters influencing the adsorption efficiency of the MIP were optimized via the batch adsorption experiment. The results revealed that the maximum removal efficiency of the MIP (79%) was achieved at the optimized conditions of pH 2, 10 mL of 10 mg/L of adsorbate solution at 60 min contact time which was higher than its corresponding non molecularly imprinted polymer (NIP) which
was (57%). The result of the reusability study showed that the adsorbent can be reused up to five cycles, hence it is efficient and promising for the removal of diclofenac from aqueous media.

Keywords: NSAIDs, optimization, removal, reusability, selectivity