APTES-functionalized Biogenic AgNP–Chitosan Nanocomposites Derived from Banana Pseudostem for Ciprofloxacin Adsorption from Wastewater
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 2 (June 2026) pp. 418-435
Abstract
The presence of antibiotic contaminants in hospital wastewater necessitates effective treatment methods. In this study, an APTES-functionalized chitosan–silver nanoparticle (AgNP) composite was synthesized using banana pseudostem extract. Characterization using UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, zeta potential, TGA, TEM, and EDS confirmed the formation of AgNPs and their structural integration. TEM analysis revealed spherical AgNPs with a particle size distribution of 10–30 nm (± 4.2 nm) dispersed within the chitosan matrix. The functionalized composite (G4) exhibited a removal efficiency of 85–90% (± 2.5%) and a maximum adsorption capacity for ciprofloxacin of approximately 63 (± 1.8) mg/g. The kinetic data fitted the pseudo-second-order model, whereas the isotherm data fitted the Freundlich model. The composite maintained 82% efficiency after five adsorption–desorption cycles under simulated wastewater conditions. These results suggest that the APTES–AgNP–chitosan composite is a viable adsorbent for antibiotic removal.
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