Author(s)

Xiujiao Xu, Jianglong He, Yu Li, Zhaoxi Fang, Shaohui Xu

Department of Environment Science, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.

Effects of pH and ionic strength on ciprofloxacin adsorption in quartz sand were studied through a batch equilibrium adsorption experiment in this paper. The experimental data were fitted by empirical formulas from Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isothermal curves, and the transport experiments in quartz sand at different pH and ionic strength were conducted to investigate the transport characteristics of ciprofloxacin. It was found that with the increase of pH value or ionic strength, adsorption capacity of ciprofloxacin decreased, so that it could move easier. The results indicated that low pH or ionic strength was conductive to the adsorption of ciprofloxacin in quartz sand. Meanwhile, a higher initial concentration or stronger ionic strength could result in a smaller linear distribution coefficient of ciprofloxacin, which meant a low adsorption capacity. According to the fitting results, the adsorption of ciprofloxacin in quartz sand could be described well by both Langmuir and Freundlich equations, of which Freundlich equation had a better efficacy.

Ciprofloxacin, Quartz Sand, pH, Ionic Strength, Isotherm Adsorption

Xu, X. , He, J. , Li, Y. , Fang, Z. and Xu, S. (2014) Adsorption and Transport of Ciprofloxacin in Quartz Sand at Different pH and Ionic Strength. Open Journal of Soil Science, 4, 407-416. doi: 10.4236/ojss.2014.412041.