Abstract
In this study, Fe3O4-ZrO2 functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (Fe3O4-ZrO2@APS) nanocomposite was investigated as a nanoadsorbent for the removal of Cd(II), Cu(II), Mn (II) and Ni(II) ions from aqueous solution and real samples in batch mode systems. The prepared magnetic nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersion x-ray (SEM/EDX) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Factors (such as adsorbent dose and sample pH) affecting the adsorption behavior of the removal process were studied using the response surface methodology. Under optimized condition, equilibrium data obtained were fitted into the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and the data fitted well with Langmuir isotherms. Langmuir adsorption capacities (mg/g) were found to be 113, 111, 128, and 123 mg/g for Cd, Cu, Ni and Mn, respectively. In addition, the adsorption kinetics was analyzed using five kinetic models, pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, intraparticle diffusion and Boyd models. The adsorbent was successfully applied for removal of Cd(II), Cu(II), Mn (II) and Ni(II) ions in wastewater samples.
Highlights
Heavy metal accumulation in the environment is a major threat to public health and to the environment [1]
The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) pattern of crystalline Fe3O4 MNPs showed characteristics peaks at 30.5◦, 35.7◦, 43.5◦, 54.1◦, 57.4◦, and 63.2◦ and 74.9◦ with corresponding reflection planes of (220), (311), (400), (422), (511), (440) and (533), agree with those reported in literature [23,31]
The AMD effluent and WW2 samples were found to contain high concentrations of Mn and the adsorbent material performed relative well as the removal efficiency was greater than 90%. These findings revealed that Fe3O4-ZrO2@APS nanocomposite can be used as an adsorbent to remove trace metals from complex matrices such as wastewater and acid mine drainage In addition, it was observed that the performance of the adsorbent was not highly affected by the sample matrix
Summary
Heavy metal accumulation in the environment is a major threat to public health and to the environment [1]. Heavy metals such as lead, and cadmium are known to be extremely toxic and hazardous to human health, even at trace levels [4,5]. These metals are known to have detrimental effects on metabolic processes of human beings and have been classified as carcinogenic agents [4]. Unlike most organic pollutants that are susceptible to biological degradation, heavy metal ions are not degradable [3]. It is necessary for heavy metal concentrations to be monitored and regulated within the environment
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