Recent advances in adsorptive removal of fluoroquinolones from aqueous matrices

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a popular class of synthetic antibiotics characterized by a fluorinated bicyclic quinolone core that governs their biological activity and environmental behavior. Following administration, up to 60–70 % of the FQs are excreted unmetabolized from the organism's body, entering aquatic environments where their low biodegradability and variable photodegradability contribute to their accumulation. This poses ecological and public health risks, including the promotion of antibiotic resistance. While several treatment strategies exist, adsorptive removal has gained prominence due to its operational simplicity, potentially high selectivity, and avoidance of harmful byproducts commonly associated with chemical or oxidative degradation. This review addresses the emerging threat posed by the incremental use of FQs and their accumulation in the natural environment, focusing on adsorptive removal of FQs as a viable solution. Here, the chemistry of FQ-adsorbent interaction and the influence of solution parameters on the treatment process are discussed. The challenges of translating laboratory-scale adsorption studies to real environmental matrices are critically analyzed. Moreover, the review outlines engineering considerations for designing effective adsorbent materials and integrating them into practical treatment systems. Emphasis is placed on the need for tailored adsorbents that retain high performance under variable natural conditions. Furthermore, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and nanocomposites, an emerging class of adsorbents with the capacity to capture and eliminate FQs, are discussed in detail. This review aligns chemical insights with relevance to the environment and technological practicability and provides a comprehensive analysis of the current status and future prospects of adsorptive removal of FQs.