Using nanoparticles to purify organic pollutants and heavy metals from water sources: a new solution to improve water quality

This study investigates the effectiveness of nanoparticles in the removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Specifically, Fe۳O۴, Ag, and TiO۲ nanoparticles were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to adsorb phenol, lead (Pb۲+), and cadmium (Cd۲+) from contaminated water. The experiments were conducted under varying pH conditions and contact times to determine the optimal conditions for maximum pollutant removal. The results indicated that Ag nanoparticles exhibited the highest efficiency in removing phenol, achieving a removal rate of ۹۲% at an optimal pH of ۷ and a contact time of ۳۰ minutes. Fe۳O۴ nanoparticles were most effective in removing heavy metals, with an ۸۵% removal rate of phenol under a pH of ۵ and a contact time of ۶۰ minutes. TiO۲ nanoparticles also showed significant activity, with a ۷۸% removal rate at a pH of ۳ and a contact time of ۴۵ minutes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images revealed notable surface changes in the Fe۳O۴ nanoparticles after lead adsorption, confirming the successful attachment of pollutants. These findings suggest that the use of nanoparticles, particularly Ag and Fe۳O۴, holds significant potential for application in water treatment processes aimed at mitigating pollution by organic and heavy metal contaminants. Further research is recommended to explore the scalability of these findings for industrial applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Nanoparticles ، Water purification ، Organic pollutants ، Heavy metals ، Water quality ، Environmental remediation