Lemon Peel‐Derived Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Removal of Hexavalent Chromium From Water

ABSTRACT Industrialization has resulted in the release of several dangerous pollutants which damage the environment. Chromium and especially hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) pose severe threats to human health and environment due to their toxic nature. This study aims to assess the feasibility of synthesizing iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) using lemon peel extract and potential of these FeNPs in removing Cr (VI) from aqueous solution. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using SEM and UV‐Visible spectroscopy. The effects of the adsorbent dose, starting concentration, pH, and duration of contact on the adsorption of Cr (VI) were examined using batch experiments. The FeNPs had a high removal efficiency as, they exhibited 90% removal at pH 2 and 77% removal at a dosage of 1 g/L. Optimal conditions for chromium removal were observed at pH value of 2, FeNPs dosage of 1 g/L, contact time of 240 min and initial concentration of 5 ppm. The results of this study indicate that waste‐based FeNPs prepared using lemon peel can be used as an inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial activated carbon for the removal of Cr (VI) under controlled aqueous conditions. These results demonstrate the ability of green nanoparticles synthesized from waste in the potential water treatment applications.