Modeling and Optimization of Cefixime Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Potato Starch Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Cefixime (CFX) is one of the most extensively used antibiotics across the world. Nonetheless, the entrance of this pharmaceutical compound into water resources has posed a serious problem to the environment. With this background in mind, the present study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of CFX removal from aqueous solutions by potato starch.

The current study assessed the effect of four main effective parameters, namely pH (3-9), potato starch dose (0-300mg/L), CFX initial concentration (0-16mg/L), and retention time (20-120min), on CFX removal using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).

Under the optimum conditions, the maximum CFX removal efficiency was reported as 65.57%, with the optimum values of pH=4.5, potato starch dose=225mg/L, CFX initial concentration=7.9, and retention time=95min. As demonstrated by the results of RSM, the current study follows the quadratic model (R2=0.987).

Considering the appropriate results of CFX removal by potato starch, it is recommended to be used as a successful method to remove this contaminant from water sources.