Removal of Cu<sup>2+</sup> from Aqueous Solutions by Magnetic Nanoparticles-Pomelo Peel Composite

Abstract

Many researchers have currently interested in using Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) impregnated onto agricultural wastes for removal of heavy metal ions in wastewater treatment process. In this work, the MNPs-pomelo peel powder (MNPs-PP) composites were developed and their adsorption capacities of heavy metal ions were studied as well. The MNPs-PP samples were synthesized by co-precipitation method in different ratios; 2:1, 2:2, 2:4, 2:5, and 2:6 (by weight). The results showed that the as-synthesized MNPs were mainly spherical shape with an average particle size of approximately 12.7 ± 0.6 nm. Then, the MNPs, PP and MNPs-PP in different ratios were used as adsorbents for adsorption of 25 ppm Cu2+ in aqueous solution. The pH and temperature of solution were kept constant at 5 and 30 °C, respectively. From the experiment, it was found that the adsorption capacities decreased in the following order: PP > MNPs-PP (2:6) > MNPs-PP (2:5) > MNPs-PP (2:4) > MNPs-PP (2:2) > MNPs-PP (2:1) > MNPs. It indicated that the adsorption capacity of as-synthesized MNPs-PP is significantly higher than that of sole MNPs. Furthermore, the adsorption capacities of MNPs-PP increased with increasing the weight ratio of PP. The MNPs-PP developed herein has demonstrated not only high adsorption efficiency but also have shown additional benefits such as ease to synthesis, cost-effectiveness, environmental-friendliness, and ease to separate from treated water by an external magnet.