SpringerLink
Log in

Fast removal of heavy metals from water and soil samples using magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles

  • Recent Trends in Environment and Sustainable Development
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Heavy metal discharge from anthropogenic sources on open soil surfaces and in natural water bodies poses serious environmental and health concerns. In addition to the contamination reduction of metals at the source, post-discharge removal of metals using nanoparticles is one of the remediation technologies being explored nowadays due to its cost-effectiveness, being environment-friendly, and easy application as a technique. In this work, magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized chemically and then used for the removal of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) from water and soil samples. The heavy metal removal efficiency of these iron oxide nanoparticles for different metals in water was best observed at a pH of 4.5 and varied between 63.5 and 98.3%. However, the removal efficiency of these nanoparticles from the soil sample was only measured at a pH of 0.7, and heavy metal removal efficiency varied between 69.6 and 99.6%. In both soil and water samples, the most efficient remediation time was less than 20 min, after which desorption and even dissolution of the nanoparticles can occur at a highly acidic pH. Among all selected metals for removal, lead showed the best adsorption and hence removal efficiency. The nanoparticles were characterized using the TEM, XRD, and FTIR techniques. The adsorption efficiency of various metals was estimated by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results suggest that the removal efficiency and stability of adsorbed products can further be improved by adjusting the pH higher towards 7 and also perhaps by modifying the nanoparticles with functional groups. The primary advantage of the magnetic un-coated nanoparticles is easy and efficient removal of the nanoparticles from the treated solutions by using an ordinary magnet. 

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (United Kingdom)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abbas A, Al-Amer AM, Laouri T, Al-Marri MJ, Nasser MS, Khraisheh M, Atieh MA (2016) Heavy metal removal from aqueous solution by advanced carbon nanotubes: a critical review of adsorption applications. Sep Purif Technol 157:141–161

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alaboudi KA, Ahmed B, Brodie G (2018) Phytoremediation of Pb and Cd contaminated soils by using sunflower (Helianthus annuus) plant. Ann Agric Sci 63:123–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aoas.2018.05.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ali H, Khan E, Ilahi I (2019) Environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology of hazardous heavy metals: environmental persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulation. J Chem 2019:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/6730305

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • An B, Liang Q, Zhao D (2011) Removal of arsenic (V) from spent ion exchange brine using a new class of starch-bridged magnetite nanoparticles. Water Res 45(5):1961–1972

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anyanwu BO, Ezejiofor AN, Igweze ZN, Orisakwe OE (2018) Heavy metal mixture exposure and effects in develo** nations: an update. Toxics 6(4):65. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics6040065

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Banerjee SS, Chen DH (2007) Fast removal of copper ions by gum Arabic modified magnetic nano-absorbent. J Hazard Mater 147(3):792–799

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cornell RM, Schwertmann U (2003) Iron Oxides, p.146.

  • Crini G, Lichtfouse E, Wilson L, Crini NM (2018) Adsorption-oriented processes using conventional and non-conventional adsorbents for wastewater treatment. Green Adsorbents for Pollutant Removal, 18, Springer Nature, pp.23-71, Environmental Chemistry for a Sustainable World, 978-3-319-92111-2.

  • Dave PN, Chopda LV (2014) Application of iron oxide nanomaterials for the removal of heavy metals. Journal of Nanotechnology. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/398569

  • Deshpande PC, Tilwankar AK, Asolekar SR (2012) A novel approach to estimating maximum potential exposure to ship recycling yard workers in Alang. Sci Total Environ 438:304–311

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El-Dib FI et al (2020) Study the adsorption properties of magnetite nanoparticles in the presence of different synthesized surfactants for heavy metal ions removal. Egypt J Pet 29:1–7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Emadi M, Shams E, Amini MK (2013) Removal of zinc from aqueous solutions by magnetite silica core-shell nanoparticles. J Chem 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/787682

  • Fanourakis SK, Peña-Bahamonde J, Bandara PC et al (2020) Nano-based adsorbent and photocatalyst use for pharmaceutical contaminant removal during indirect potable water reuse. NPJ Clean Water 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41545-019-0048-8

  • Fu F, Wang Q (2011) Removal of heavy metal ions from wastewaters: a review. J Environ Manag 92(3):407–418

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Giraldo L, Alessandro Erto A, Moreno-Piraja'n JC (2013) Magnetite nanoparticles for removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions: synthesis and characterization. Adsorption 19:465–474. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10450-012-9468-1

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hao Y-M, Man C, Hu Z-B (2010) Effective removal of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solution by amino-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. J Hazard Mater 184(1–3):392–399

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hong J, **e J, Mirshahghassemi S, Lead J (2020) Metal (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) removal from environmentally relevant waters using polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated magnetite nanoparticles. RSC Adv 10:3266–3276. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9ra10104g

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jaishankar M, Tseten T, Anbalagan N, Mathew BB, Beeregowda KN (2014) Toxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals. Interdisciplinary. Toxicology 7(2):60–72. https://doi.org/10.2478/intox-2014-0009

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kane SR, Greneche J-M, Choi H (2006) Arsenic (V) removal from groundwater using nanoscale zero-valent iron as a colloidal reactive barrier material. Environ Sci Technol 40(6):2045–2050

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khan I, Saeed K, Khan I (2019) Nanoparticles: properties, applications, and toxicities. Arab J Chem 12(7):908–931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2017.05.011

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khan FSA, Mubarak NM, Khalid M, Walvekar R, Abdullah EC, Mazari SA, Nizamuddin S, Karri RR (2020) Magnetic nanoadsorbents’ potential route for heavy metals removal—a review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27:24342–24356. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08711-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khulbe KC, Matsuura T (2018) Removal of heavy metals and pollutants by membrane adsorption techniques. Appl Water Sci 8:19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-018-0661-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar P et al (2019) Removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution using VO2(B). Nanoparticles. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cplett.2019.136934

  • Kwak HW, Lee KH (2018) Polyethylenimine-functionalized silk sericin beads for high-performance remediation of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution. Chemosphere 207:507–516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.158

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li X-Q, Zhang W-X (2006) Iron nanoparticles: the core-shell structure and unique properties for Ni (II) sequestration. Langmuir 22(10):4638–4642

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Wei GY, Huang SQ, Liu XS, ** ZH, Zhang M (2018) Qu JJ (2018) Biosorption of Cr(VI) onto Auricularia auricula dreg biochar modified by a cationic surfactant: Characteristics and mechanism. J Mol Liq 269:824–832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2018.08.060

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mähler J, Persson I (2012) A study of the hydration of the alkali metal ions in aqueous solution. Inorg Chem 51(1):425–438. https://doi.org/10.1021/ic2018693

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson M, Tragärdh G, Ostergren K (2008) The influence of pH, salt and temperature on nanofiltration performance. J Membr Sci 312:97–106

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pathak AK, Yadav S, Kumar P, Kumar R (2013) Source apportionment and spatial-temporal variations in the metal content of surface dust collected from an industrial area adjoining Delhi, India. Sci Total Environ 443:662–672

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peng G, Tian G, Liu J, Bao Q, Zang L (2011) Removal of heavy metals from sewage sludge with a combination of bioleaching and electrokinetic remediation technology. Desalination 271(2011):100–104

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosca C, Schoenberg R, Tomlinson EL, Kamber BS (2018) Combined zinc-lead isotope and trace metal assessment of recent atmospheric pollution sources recorded in Irish peatlands. Sci Total Environ 658:234–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarma GK, Gupta S, Bhattacharyya KG (2019) Nanomaterials as versatile adsorbents for heavy metal ions in water: a review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26:6245–6278. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-04093-y

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shaheen SM, Antoniadis V, Kwon EE, Biswas JK, Wang H, Ok YS, Rinklebe J (2017) Biosolids application affects the comparative sorption and lability of cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc in fluvial and calcareous soils. Environ Geochem Health 39:1365–1379

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma A, Kapoor D, Wang J, Shahzad B, Kumar V, Bali AS, Jasrotia S, Zheng B, Yuan H, Yan D (2020) Chromium bioaccumulation and its impacts on plants: an overview. Plants (Basel, Switzerland) 9(1):100. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9010100

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sezgin N, Sahin M, Yalcin A, Koseoglu Y (2013) Synthesis, characterization and, the heavy metal removal efficiency of MFe2O4 (M=Ni, Cu) nanoparticles. Ekoloji 22(89): 89–96. https://doi.org/10.5053/ekoloji.2013.8911

  • Shishehbore MR, Afkhami A, Bagheri H (2011) Salicylic acid-functionalized silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles for solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of some heavy metal ions from various real samples. Chem Central J 5

  • Singh S, Barick KC, Bahadur D (2011) Surface engineered magnetic nanoparticles for removal of toxic metal ions and bacterial pathogens. J Hazard Mater 192:1539–1547

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sophie L, Delphine F, Marc P, Alain R, Caroline R, Luce VE, Robert NM (2008) Attractive iron oxide nanoparticles: blend, adjustment, vectorization, physicochemical portrayal, and natural applications. Chem Fire Up 108:2064–2110

    Google Scholar 

  • Tahoon MA, Siddeeg SM, Alsaiari NS, Mnif W, Rebah FB (2020) Effective heavy metals removal from water using nanomaterials: a review. Processes 8:645. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8060645

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Takafuji M, Ide S, Ihara H, Xu Z, (2004) Preparation of Poly(1-vinylimidazole)-Grafted Magnetic Nanoparticles and Their Application for Removal of Metal Ions. Chemistry of Materials 16 (10):1977–1983

  • Wang J, Zheng S, Shao Y, Liu J, Xu Z, Zhu D (2010) Amino-functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 core-shell magnetic nanomaterial as a novel adsorbent for aqueous heavy metals removal. J Colloid Interface Sci 349:293–299

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Warner CL, Chouyyok W, Mackie KE, Neiner D, Saraf LV, Droubay TC, Warner MG, Addleman RS (2012) Manganese do** of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: tailoring surface reactivity for a regenerable heavy metal sorbent. Langmuir 28(8):3931–3937

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • **n X, Wei Q, Yang J, Yan L, Feng R, Chen G, du B, Li H (2012) Highly efficient removal of heavy metal ions by amine-functionalized mesoporous Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Chem Eng J 184:132–140

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xu P, Zeng GM, Huang DL, Feng CL, Hu S, Zhao MH, Lai C, Wei Z, Huang C, **e GX, Liu ZF (2012) Use of iron oxide nanomaterials in wastewater treatment: a review. Sci Total Environ 424:1–10

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xu J, Liu C, Hsu PC, Zhao J, Wu T, Tang J, Liu K, Cui Y (2019) Remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil by asymmetrical alternating current electrochemistry. Nat Commun 10(1):2440. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-10472-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang W, Kan AT, Chen W, Tomson MB (2010) pH-dependent effect of zinc on arsenic adsorption to magnetite nanoparticles. Water Res 44(19):5693–5701

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang J, Hou B, Wang J, Tian B, Bi J, Wang N, Li X, Huang X (2019) Nanomaterials for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) 9(3):424. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9030424

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yangand GCC, Lee HL (2005) Chemical reduction of nitrate by nano-sized iron: kinetic sand pathways. Water Res 39(5):884–894

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yaqoob AA, Parveen T, Umar K, Ibrahim MNM (2020) Role of nanomaterials in the treatment of wastewater: a review. Water 12(2):495. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12020495

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yavuz CT, Mayo JT, Yu WW, Prakash A, Falkner JC, Yean S, Cong L, Shipley HJ, Kan A, Tomson M, Natelson D, Colvin VL (2006) Low-field magnetic separation of monodisperse Fe3O4 nanocrystals. Science 314(5801):964–967

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yuen HW, Becker W. Iron toxicity. [Updated 2020 Jun 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459224/

  • Zambelli B, Uversky VN, Ciurli S (2016) Nickel impact on human health: an intrinsic disorder perspective. Biochim Biophys Acta 1864:1714–1731

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zwolak A, Sarzyńska M, Szpyrka E, Stawarczyk K (2019) Sources of soil pollution by heavy metals and their accumulation in vegetables: a review. Water Air Soil Pollut 230:164. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-019-4221-y

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Ms. Nisha Rani, a research scholar in the Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology at their University, for valuable discussions and help regarding the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Excellence for Energy and Environmental Studies, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Murthal, Sonipat, Haryana, 131039, India

    Anita Singh & Sudesh Chaudhary

  2. Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Murthal, Sonipat, Haryana, 131039, India

    Brijnandan S. Dehiya

  3. Department of Chemical Engineering, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Murthal, Sonipat, Haryana, 131039, India

    Brijnandan S. Dehiya

Authors
  1. Anita Singh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sudesh Chaudhary
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Brijnandan S. Dehiya
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Sudesh Chaudhary or Brijnandan S. Dehiya.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Tito Roberto Cadaval Jr

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Electronic supplementary material

ESM 1

(DOC 161 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Singh, A., Chaudhary, S. & Dehiya, B.S. Fast removal of heavy metals from water and soil samples using magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 3942–3952 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10737-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10737-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation