Çifçi, Deniz İzlen2024-10-292024-10-2920241522-6514https://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2024.2357644https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11776/12402This study explored the efficacy of activated carbon derived from rice straw and treated with ZnCl2 (ZnCl2-RS) for the removal of diclofenac sodium (DCF) and paracetamol (PCM) through an adsorption process. The investigation included examining the variations in removal efficiency at different pH levels and ZnCl2-RS doses. The characteristics of the ZnCl2-RS, prepared for the study, were determined through SEM and FTIR analyses, revealing a composition of 49.4% carbon and 8.3% zinc. At pH 5, the adsorption efficiency for DCF and PCM was enhanced, achieving removal rates of 92.2% for DCF and 89.1% for PCM with 0.2 g of ZnCl2-RS. The adsorption of DCF and PCM by ZnCl2-RS followed pseudo-second-order kinetic and adhered to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities were calculated as 26.04 mg/g for DCF and 19.05 mg/g for PCM. In conclusion, the cost-effective production of activated carbon from agricultural waste like rice straw yielded a promising adsorbent material for efficiently removing pharmaceuticals such as diclofenac sodium and paracetamol. This approach not only contributes to waste reduction but also promotes the repurposing of agricultural waste materials. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.en10.1080/15226514.2024.2357644info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAdsorptiondiclofenac sodiumparacetamolrice strawArticle2611184718532-s2.0-8519448391738794784Q2