Biosynthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles using <i>Pennisetum Purpureum</i> and Application in Removal of Cadmium Contaminant from Water

Abstract

This study evaluated an innovative approach to synthesize magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) through a green synthesis method using Pennisetum purpureum extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The green synthesis of MgO NPs is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful synthesis of nanoparticles with unique properties. Debye-Scherrer equation is used for the determination of particle size, which was found to be 15.7nm. The potential application of MgO NPs in the removal of cadmium (Cd) contaminant from water sources was investigated through batch adsorption experiments. Cadmium pollution poses a severe threat to ecosystems and human health due to its toxic nature and persistence in the environment. MgO NPs, with their high surface area and reactivity, efficiently adsorbed and immobilize cadmium ions from water. Adsorption isotherm models indicated that Langmuir isotherm is the best model to describe the adsorption of Cd2+ on magnesium oxide nanoparticles prepared by elephant grass extracts. It was found that a removal of greater percent of Cd2+ could be accomplished through adsorption with 0.05g of magnesium oxide nanoparticles, an initial concentration of metal at 5ppm pH of 10 and at contact time of 65minutes.