Absorption Studies of Arsenic Using Maghemite Crystals Synthesized from Iron Waste Extracted from Ogun State Iron Mill Dumpsite

John Adeola Adegoke,I Adegoke Halimat

doi:10.4236/ajac.2016.73027

Abstract

This paper outlines the synthesis of maghemite from raw iron waste obtained in an iron mill dumpsite around Ogun state, Nigeria. Magnetite was synthesized from the ferrous precursor obtained by digesting the iron waste with concentrated H2SO4. Transformation of magnetite to maghemite was done by heating the magnetite obtained in an oven at 200°C. To determine the absorption capacity of the synthesized maghemite sample, a stock solution of As(III) was used for the absorption. Absorption spectrum shows higher absorption of γ-Fe3O4 at higher concentration of As(III). Maximum absorption obtained is 14 mg/g. Estimated yield of γ-Fe3O4 was 32%; however a low, further study promises to improve the yield value. The study shows γ-Fe3O4 to be a good absorbent for heavy metals.

Highlights

IntroductionIron oxide generally exists in different structures and forms with different useful applications ranging from geological to nanoscale technology; the most common are α-Fe2O3 (hematite), γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite), Fe3O4
Iron oxide generally exists in different structures and forms with different useful applications ranging from geological to nanoscale technology; the most common are α-Fe2O3, γ-Fe2O3, Fe3O4(magnetite) and Fe1−xO; the less commonly found are β- and ε-Fe2O3 [1]
The aim of this study is to carry out an absorption study on Arsenic stock solution using synthesized maghemite from the iron scrap which has an absorbent

Summary

Introduction

Iron oxide generally exists in different structures and forms with different useful applications ranging from geological to nanoscale technology; the most common are α-Fe2O3 (hematite), γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite), Fe3O4. A. Halimat hombic structure “epsilon”, as well as nanoparticles of all forms, have been synthesized and extensively investigated in recent years [2]. Halimat hombic structure “epsilon”, as well as nanoparticles of all forms, have been synthesized and extensively investigated in recent years [2] Out of all these polymorphs, magehmite is the iron oxides currently most studied, which exhibits ferrimagnetic behavior below 1000 K due to the super exchange integrals competition between tetrahedral and octahedral sites and lately, it has found considerable uses in magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic recording media, fabrication of biocompatible magnetic fluids, and electrochromic devices [1] [3]. Only few of these companies have a standard way of disposing their waste iron scrap This has a devastating effect on the environment with a long-term impact [5] [6]. The aim of this study is to carry out an absorption study on Arsenic stock solution using synthesized maghemite from the iron scrap which has an absorbent

Preparation of Ferrous Precursor

Sorption Experiment

Result and Discussion

Conclusion