Advances in the green synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles for environmental remediation: A systematic review

Magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an efficient and sustainable alternative for environmental remediation due to their high specific surface area, strong reactivity, and responsiveness to magnetic fields. This systematic review examines articles on green synthesis of magnetite NPs and their application in the removal of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants. The selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for publications spanning 2020 to 2024 from Scopus, Web of Science, and Scilit scientific databases. Several biological sources, including plant extracts, microorganisms, and agro-industrial residues, act as precursors or reducing agents for NP synthesis, influencing their physicochemical properties and adsorption efficiency. However, variability in extract composition and challenges in scalability require further research to optimize large-scale applications. This study identifies key knowledge gaps that require further investigation and underlines the need to develop more sustainable pollutant treatment strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).