Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is frequently found in water at harmful levels, raising concerns due to its toxicity and antibiotic resistance.
A new low-cost ceramsite made from industrial waste effectively removed over 99% of CIP from wastewater, with optimal removal occurring at a pH of 2-4.
The ceramsite showed strong reusability over five cycles and worked mainly through adsorption and flocculation, facilitated by the release of calcium ions that formed complexes with CIP.