Triclosan removal from synthetic solution using corn cobs and their magnetic composites: Insights from batch adsorption and fixed-bed column studies

Triclosan, a lipophilic contaminant and endocrine disruptor, is widely detected in industrial, pharmaceutical, and domestic wastewaters. Organic residues impregnated with nanoparticles could be efficient adsorbents for such contaminants. This study evaluated the efficiency of corn cobs (CC), iron oxide (IO), and their magnetic composites in removing triclosan (30 mg L−1) using batch and fixed-bed column tests. Adsorbents were characterized by analytical (ASTM standards), instrumental (microscopy, spectroscopy, BET, X-ray diffraction), and computational methods. Batch tests analyzed CC/IO/composite doses (0.001–2.5 g L−1), contact times (2.5–60 min), and CC ratios (1:1, 2:1, 4:1). Results fit kinetic and isothermal models. Fixed-bed columns used CC and 4CC:1IO (most efficient). CC contained ∼94.2 % lignocellulosic material, an irregular surface with 0.4 m² g−1, and functional groups (OH, C[dbnd]O, C-O-H). IOs (∼15 nm) had a surface area of 66.3 m²/g, while composites ranged from 1.4 to 2.2 m² g−1. Optimal doses were 2.0 g L−1 for CC and 3.75–25-fold for IO/composites, removing 84.7–94.1 % triclosan within 40–60 min. Data fit the pseudo-second order model (R² = 0.89–0.99) and isotherms aligned with Langmuir and Sips models (R² = 0.97–0.99). In fixed-bed columns, CC and 4CC:1IO reached saturation at 700 and 1250 min, respectively, fitting the Bohart-Adams model (R² = 0.93–0.98). Computational chemistry elucidated triclosan removal mechanisms related to its lipophilicity, solubility, and reactive lignocellulosic sites. CC and their composites are effective, sustainable, and low-cost alternatives for removing triclosan and other lipophilic emerging contaminants, with potential for broader water treatment applications. This study evaluated the adsorption capacity of the materials for triclosan removal, incorporating kinetic models, breakthrough curves, and computational simulations to understand the removal mechanisms.