| Summary: | This study investigates the potential of activated carbon derived from discarded disposable diapers (D3AC) for cost-effective removal of amoxicillin (AMX) from water. D3AC was prepared using CO2 activation at 900 °C, yielding a high surface area (1235.32 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.88 cm3/g). Optimal AMX removal (86.52 %) was achieved under conditions of 5 g D3AC dosage, pH 4.0, and 50 min contact time, as determined by the Box-Behnken Design. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, while isotherm data aligned with the Langmuir model, indicating a maximum adsorption capacity of 208.17 mg/g at 25 °C. The adsorption mechanism involved electrostatic interactions, π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and pore-filling effects, enhancing AMX binding to the D3AC surface. The process was statistically robust, with a highly significant ANOVA p-value (< 0.0001) and R2 = 0.9841. This dual-purpose strategy addresses pharmaceutical pollution and waste management, offering a circular, sustainable solution to environmental challenges. By converting diaper waste into efficient adsorbents, D3AC contributes to improved water quality and public health, presenting an innovative approach to tackling global environmental and health issues. This study demonstrates the feasibility of transforming waste into high-performance materials for environmental applications. © 2025
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