Abstract
The present study synthesized nano-magnetite (Fe3O4) from milled steel chips using the high energy ball milling (HEBM) method, characterized it, and then utilized it as a sorbent to remediate boron concentration at various pH (4–9), dosages (0.1–0.5 g), contact times (20–240 min), and initial concentrations (10–100 mg/L). The nano-sorbents were characterized based on SEM structure, elemental composition (EDX), surface area analysis (BET), crystallinity (XRD), and functional group analysis (FTIR). The highest adsorption capacity of 8.44 mg/g with removal efficiency of 84% was attained at pH 8, 0.5 g dosage, contact time of 180 min, and 50 mg/L initial concentration. The experimental data fit best with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with R2 of 0.998, while the Freundlich adsorption isotherm describes the adsorption process with an R2 value of 0.9464. A regeneration efficiency of 47% was attained even after five cycles of reusability studies. This efficiency implies that the nano-magnetite has the potential for sustainable industrial application.
Highlights
The industrial development and geometric growth in global populations is accompanied by the excessive generation of boron from industrial and municipal waste [1]
Many studies have indicated that natural and industrial wastewater discharge are the primary sources of the releasing of boron into the environment [4,5]
The present study mainly focuses on synthesizing nano-magnetite (Fe3 O4 ) from locally available industrial milled chips using a high-energy ball milling technique
Summary
The industrial development and geometric growth in global populations is accompanied by the excessive generation of boron from industrial and municipal waste [1]. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated in 2006 that 4300 metric tons of boron were generated in 2006 and the figure rose geometrically to 9400 metric tons in 2016 owing to heavy industrial development and rapid population rise [2]. Boron is an essential trace element for animals and plants as a micronutrient which plays a prominent role in plant growth and development. An excessive quantity is toxic or even harmful to both plants and animals [3]. Many studies have indicated that natural (weathering of rocks) and industrial wastewater discharge are the primary sources of the releasing of boron into the environment [4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
