Adsorption and thermodynamics of pharmaceuticals, acyclovir and fluconazole, onto quartz sand under static and dynamic conditionsAdsorption and thermodynamics of pharmaceuticals, acyclovir and fluconazole, onto quartz sand under static and dynamic conditions Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2019-06-032018enPharmaceuticals are characterized as emerging contaminants. Their fate and transport in environmental systems are of substantial importance and should be thoroughly understood. This study investigated the interaction of two pharmaceuticals (acyclovir and fluconazole) with quartz sand. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, often used for the treatment of herpes infections; whereas fluconazole is an azole fungicide that is widely used as an active ingredient in a variety of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) for the treatment of fungal infections. Adsorption behavior of acyclovir and fluconazole onto quartz sand at three different temperatures (4°C, 10°C, and 22°C) under static and dynamic conditions was examined. Kinetic adsorption data were described successfully with a pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, adsorption equilibrium data were quantified with a linear adsorption isotherm. Results at three different temperatures indicated that PPCPs were weakly adsorbed onto quartz sand. Adsorption of acyclovir and fluconazole is slightly higher under dynamic than static conditions. Although no significant differences were observed between the three different temperatures employed in this study, adsorption of acyclovir and fluconazole increased slightly with increasing temperature.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Environmental Engineering Science359909-917 Fountouli Theodosia Φουντουλη Θεοδοσια Chrysikopoulos Constantinos Χρυσικοπουλος Κωνσταντινος Mary Ann Liebert Acyclovir Adsorption Fluconazole Pharmaceuticals Quartz sand Thermodynamics