Iron oxide nano-particles-immobilized-sand material in the treatment of Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) contaminated waste waters

The aim of this investigation was to obtain iron-oxide nano-particles-immobilized sand (INS) by simple impregnation process. For the purpose, locally available sand was used with prior acid activation. The INS sample was characterized by XRD and SEM/EDX analytical methods. Further, the solid was employed for its possible implication in the removal of several toxic heavy metal ions viz., Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions under the static and dynamic experimental conditions. Batch experiments were carried out analyzing various physico-chemical parametric studies viz., effect of solution pH, ionic strength and sorptive concentration. The equilibrium state data obtained by concentration dependence study was utilized to obtain the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption modeling. INS sample was also employed to assess the suitability of material in the removal of these heavy metal toxic ions under the dynamic conditions i.e., in column studies. The breakthrough data obtained by column studies were then utilized to model it with Thomas equation and hence, estimated the loading capacity of Cu(II)/or Cd(II)/or Pb(II) under the specified column conditions. Results obtained showed that INS is found to be one of promising and effective solid material and could be used in several wastewater treatment strategies in particular the treatment wastewaters contaminated with these heavy metal toxic ions.

► Iron oxide nanoparticle immobilized sand (INS) was obtained.
► INS was characterized by XRD and SEM analysis.
► INS assessed for remediation of aquatic environment.
► Batch and column reactor operations.
► Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) removal.