In this study, MgAlFe-CO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH), with a Mg to (Al+Fe) molar ratio of 2 and Al to Fe molar ratio of 1:1, was successfully synthesized by coprecipitation method and its calcined product (MgAlFe-C) was obtained. The MgAlFe-CO3 and the MgAlFe-C samples, were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA and BET. Batch sorption studies were conducted to investigate adsorption of Diclofenac (DIC) and Ibuprofen (IBU) from water onto both adsorbents [1,2]. The results show that MgAlFe-C can be used as an effective adsorbent and its sorption capacity is higher than that of MgAlFe-CO3.The effects of various physicochemical parameters such as pH, contact time, effect of anions competitions and initial IBU/DIC concentration on the adsorption of IBU/DIC onto MgAlFe-C were investigated. Also, the regeneration study was done.

The results show that adsorption processes can be well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption data are fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm equation. The maximum adsorption capacity is 484 mg/g for DIC and 129 mg/g for IBU. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated. The negative ΔG⁰ and ΔH⁰ indicate that the adsorption processes are spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Coexisting ions such as CO, Cl¯ could compete with IBU/DIC anions. The adsorption of IBU/DIC on the adsorbent can be mainly attributed to the memory effect process.

Regeneration study proves that calcined MgAlFe-C can potential material for the decontamination of pharmaceuticals micropollutants in wastewater.