DEVELOPMENT OF Fe3O4 NANOPARTICLES FOR THE REMOVAL OF SOME TOXIC METALS FROM PHARMACEUTICAL WASTEWATER

Abstract

Among the most significant sources of environmental contamination are pharmaceutical wastewaters, which are often contaminated with heavy metals that pose significant threats to ecosystems as well as public health. This study explores the potential of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanocomposites prepared using a sol-gel method for the removal of lead, cadmium, and copper ions from pharmaceutical wastewater. The nanocomposite was characterized using XRD, HRSEM/EDX and FTIR. The XRD analysis of the nanocomposite identified 2θ (theta), of 30.2º, 36.3º, 44.2º, 54.3º, 58.2º, 63.5º, and 74.6º which correspond to the crystal lattice planes of (220), (311), (400), (422), (511), (440), and (533), respectively.    The diffraction peaks associated with Fe₃O₄ at 2θ of 18.02º, 29.4º, and 43.3º, related to the crystal planes of (111), (220), and (400), respectively of the Fe₃O₄ phase. The HRSEM image of the nanocomposite exhibited spherical-shaped structures of Fe₃O₄, and some irregular shapes. The effects of the dosage, temperature and contact time on the removal percentage of toxic metal ions were studied. Langmuir and Freundlich correlation coefficients and isotherm constants were determined and the equilibrium process was better described by the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption of process followed a second order kinetics and the thermodynamic parameters showed that the involved process was spontaneous. This research offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to mitigate toxic metal contamination in pharmaceutical effluents, protecting the environment and human well-being while advancing the field of wastewater treatment.