Journal of Advanced Chemical Engineering

Abstract

Preparation and Application of Magnetic Materials for the Removal of As (III) from Aqueous Solutions

Mini Namdeo and Ankita Mathur

Higher environmental standards have made for the removal of arsenic from water, an important problem for environmental engineering. Iron oxide is a particularly interesting sorbent to consider for this application. Its magnetic properties allow relatively routine dispersal and recovery of the adsorbent into and from groundwater or industrial processing facilities; in addition, iron oxide has strong and specific interactions with both As (III) and As(V). Finally, this material can be produced with nanoscale dimensions, which enhance both its capacity and removal. The present study focuses on iron-oxide based complexes that were found to adsorb arsenic from water. Their composition, morphology, magnetic behaviour and potential were studied by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Zeta potential and Vibrating Sampling Magnetometer (VSM). Arsenic concentrations were recorded by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Finally, the particles were also investigated for their antimicrobial properties that can be used against gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. The study suggests that among various iron oxide sorbents magnetite chitosan beads provides a low cost, fast and effective method for removal of arsenic from potable water, and thus making it suitable for drinking purpose.

Published Date: 2018-10-05; Received Date: 2018-10-17