Amine-functionalized magnetic activated carbon as an adsorbent for preconcentration and determination of acidic drugs in environmental water samples using HPLC-DAD

In the present study, a convenient and highly effective method was developed for the quantification of acidic drugs in wastewater and river water samples. Ultrasonic-assisted magnetic solid phase extraction employing magnetic waste tyre-based activated carbon nanocomposite functionalized with [3-(2-aminoethylamino) propyl]trimethoxysilane as a cost-effective and efficient adsorbent was used for the extraction and preconcentration of acidic drugs (naproxen [NAP], ketoprofen (KET) and diclofenac [DIC]). The quantification of target analytes was achieved by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector. Under optimum conditions, the detection limit, quantification limit and relative standard deviation obtained for the analytes of interest ranged from 0.38 to 0.76, 1.26 to 2.54 μg L-1 and 2.02 to 4.06%, respectively. The applicability of the developed method was assessed by the spike recovery tests and the relative recoveries proved that the method is reliable for the determination of acidic drugs in wastewater. Thereafter, the method was applied successfully for the determination of NAP, KET and DIC in river water, influent and effluent wastewater.