Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewaters

Abstract

The removal of heavy metals from waste waters became a necessity, due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment. Latest researches indicated that the use of magnetic nanoparticles in the removal of these pollutants from industrial waters represented a better option than ion exchange, filtration, membrane separation, or reverse osmosis, due to the fact that it was cost effective and easily to use. This paper presented the synthesis, characterization and adsorption efficiency of iron oxide nanoparticles covered with cationic resin for wastewater treatment. The magnetic nanoparticles were obtained by co-precipitation method, and then covered with cationic resin. The products (Fe₃O₄-T-RH) were then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The removal efficiency was tested on a column with magnetic separation. The results demonstrated the fast adsorption of heavy metal ions on magnetic nanoparticles and the possibility to remove with high efficiency the toxic materials from wastewaters.