Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles used for the retention of mercury present in water
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65093/aci.v17.n1.2026.47Keywords:
adsorption, heavy metals, pollution, water, biomass, nanoparticleAbstract
In this study, the synthesis of iron nanoparticles was optimized using an aqueous extract of Eucalyptus grandis foliage, which was used together with iron (II) chloride tetrahydrate salt and iron (III) chloride hexahydrate salt using water as a solvent, in addition to a basic sodium hydroxide solution. The nanoparticles were precipitated, filtered, and dried, achieving a yield of 98.99%. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a specific surface area of 131.90 m²/g. Their functional groups were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and particle size was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The behavior of the synthesized nanoparticles during Hg(II) retention was evaluated and assessed. The adsorption isotherm fit the Freundlich model, typical of a heterogeneous adsorption model, with a maximum adsorption capacity for Hg(II) of 274.92 mg Hg/g of nanoparticle. The particle exhibited a good retention percentage for mercury (79.26%), and this synthesized particle reduces the need for reagents in its preparation, generates no polluting waste, and requires low energy input.
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