Abstract
In the present study, nano-scale Zero Valent Iron (NZVI) was synthesized in ethanol medium by the method of ferric iron reduction using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent under atmospheric conditions. The obtained iron nanoparticles are mainly in zero valent oxidation state and remain without significant oxidation for hours. A systematic characterization of NZVI was performed using XRD, SEM and TEM studies. The obtained iron nanoparticles consist of a zero valent core surrounding a rest oxide shell. The diameter of iron nanoparticles was predominantly within the range 20-110 nm. Refractory azo-dye compounds used in the textile industry are commonly detected in many industrial waste water. In this study the removal efficiency of three azo dyes, namely, methyl orange, sunset yellow and acid blue a, with laboratory synthesized NZVI particles in relation to the NZVI dosage, dye concentration and pH was determined. Increasing the dose of NZVI particles enhanced the decolonization of the dyes. The degradation decreased with increasing solution pH and concentration of dyes. These findings demonstrated the fast removal of azo dye compounds with NZVI and the advantage of the synthesized NZVI particles to treat azo dye contaminated wastewater.
Highlights
Sources of effluent with dyes come from industries mainly, such as, dyeing and printing, textiles, paper and ink
These findings demonstrated the fast removal of azo dye compounds with nano-scale Zero Valent Iron (NZVI) and the advantage of the synthesized NZVI particles to treat azo dye contaminated wastewater
From the experiments performed in this study, it can be said that NZVI is an effective degrading agent for dyes
Summary
Sources of effluent with dyes come from industries mainly, such as, dyeing and printing, textiles, paper and ink. Textile wastewaters contribute to a significant amount of pollution all over the world, mainly because of the presence of brightly colored dyes and their recalcitrant nature to degradation. This is because of the presence of the chromophore N = N, called the azo bond, which gives it its color (VUS, 2013). It endangers other aquatic lifeforms which eventually leads to a disturbance of the aquatic ecosystem (Chequer et al, 2011) They can cause skin cancer posing as an occupational hazard for people working in the cosmetic and other dye related industries.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
