Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Lead Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

Pb(II) being carcinogenic and one of the heavy metals which always pose a severe threat to human health. Adsorption is a commonly used method for the removal of heavy metal ions as this process possess high efficiency, easy to handle and cost-effective. Iron oxide based nanomaterial were found to be more attractive for the removal of heavy metals from the aqueous solution because of their size, high surface area, and magnetic. Therefore, in this research study, iron oxide nanoparticles modified with tangerine peel extract (T-Fe 3 O 4 ) and utilized to carry batch adsorption experiments for the removal of lead from aqueous solutions. It was observed that 99% of Pb(II) adsorption removal was achieved with 0.6 g/L of T-Fe 3 O 4 at an initial concentration of metal at 10 ppm and room temperature of 25°C. The adsorption isotherm was found to be monolayer on the homogeneous surface of the adsorbent. Therefore, the green tangerine peel modified iron oxide nanoparticles can be applied for lead removal from water resources for providing clean and hygienic water for a sustainable and healthier life.