Applications of Magnetite Nanoparticles for Heavy Metal Removal from Wastewater

LUCIANO CARLOS; FERNANDO S. GARCÍA EINSCHLAG; MÓNICA C. GONZALEZ; DANIEL O. MARTIRE

Waste Water (ISBN: 980-953-307-598-8)

Intech open access

Año: 2013; p. 63 - 77

Iron-based nanoparticles have unique properties that allow for a wide range of applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging, ferrofluids for audio speakers, magnetic targeted drug delivery, and magnetic recording media [1]. These insoluble magnetic materials have the advantage of being easily removed with the aid of a magnet. The use of iron-based nanomaterials for water treatment has recently received considerable attention [2]. Iron oxide nanoparticles with different coatings have been used as adsorbents to remove arsenic from water [4] and for the extraction of Cd(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) [5]. Humic acid coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4/HA) were also employed for the removal of sulfathiazole from aqueous media. Fe3O4/HA exhibited high activity to produce hydroxyl (?OH) radicals through catalytic decomposition of H2O2. The preparation of combined magnetite/silver materials which can actively concentrate chromate (Cr(VI)) in water and substantially enhance Raman signals was recently prepared [6]. The convenience of using magnetic nano- and micronsized particles as phosphate absorbents and their later removal from solution by high gradient magnetic separation was also recently considered [7]. The aim of this book chapter is to review the methods of synthesis and characterization of magnetite nanoparticles and to discuss their potential applications for water treatment.