Selective adsorption of tetracycline by b-CD-immobilized sodium alginate aerogel coupled with ultrafiltration for reclaimed water

• A novel b-cyclodextrin-immobilized sodium alginate aerogel (b-CD/NaAlg) was synthesized via epichlorohydrin cross-linking, exhibiting a three-dimensional porous network. • Under optimal conditions, the adsorbent achieved 70% tetracycline removal, with adsorption fitting the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics. • Integration with ultrafiltration enhanced tetracycline removal to 78.9% within 2 hours, demonstrating practical applicability for reclaimed water treatment. • The adsorbent maintained 55.3% removal efficiency after five cycles, highlighting its reusability and sustainability.