Removal of Metal Ions from Aqueous Solution by Synthetic Materials via Surface Processes and Profiling of Bioactivity Using Variety of Analytical Techniques

This study focuses on the synthesis of a one-step process for real wastewater treatment, focusing on the production of functionalized cleaning materials. It is based on the controlled reduction of equal molar ratios of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions by an extract of a biomass. In this study, synthetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were prepared from fruit residues extract of pomegranate for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The synthesized iron nanoparticles were characterized by surface area technique, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and thermogravimetric technique. The XRD results show that the synthesized particles are of high purity; the crystalline morphology of iron particles is α-Fe₂O₃. The EDX results show the presence of iron and oxygen elements, which indicates the presence of iron particles in the form of oxide. The formation of IONPs was also confirmed by UV radiation in the range of 190-340 nm. The synthesized particles have a large surface area, potentially suitable for water treatment. The Langmuir isothermal model was used to describe the adsorption process of the sorbent. The IONPs are found to be an efficient and eco-friendly alternative for metal removal, with optimal conditions for application including a dose of 0.3 g, pH 6.0, a concentration of 0.5 mg/L, and a contact time of 50 minutes.