Removal of Cr(VI), Cu(II) and Ni(II) from industrial wastewater in competitive way by maghemite nanoparticles

In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles (maghemite) were used to selective removal of Cu (II), Ni (II) and Cr (VI) from mine’s waste water. First, maghemite nanoparticles (γ -Fe2O3) of 14 nm were produced at room temperature, by using novel single step, without the use of natural solvents and oxides. Because of highly pH dependent of the adsorption process, Nanoparticles can easily adsorb these metals from wastewater in competitive way. The results indicated that, adsorption reached equilibrium within 10 minutes and chromium adsorb occurs at 50 mg/l initial concentrations, 0.1 gr doses of nanoparticles, 70 ºC and also pH=2.6, best nickel adsorb occurs at pH=8.5 and best copper pH was 6.5. The adsorption data of copper, chromium and nickel to maghemite nanoparticles were analyzed and fitted well by Langmuir isotherm., Based on the results, although the use of iron oxide nanoparticles can be introduced as a useful method to clean up wastewater treatment, which containing Cu (II), Ni (II) and Cr (VI), but adsorption of Cu (II) to maghemite nanoparticles were better than Ni (II) and Cr (IV) in the same situation

Keywords:

maghemite , removal heavy metals , environment , adsorption , nanoparticles