Efficient removal of toxic Cr(VI) ions from waste streams by a novel Fe3O4 @formaldhyde urea resin composites

Abstract

The widespread release of harmful heavy metals is becoming one of the most pressing environmental concerns because of the havoc it wreaks on human health. Chromium (VI) is a prevalent hazardous heavy metal ion found in industrial wastewater, significantly affecting the environment. This research details the fabrication and examination of an innovative Fe₃O₄-Formaldehyde-Urea resin (Fe₃O₄@FUR) for the effective removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water-based solutions. Fe₃O₄@Formaldehyde Urea Resin presents a highly original and green chemistry approach by combining the magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄ with a less-toxic resin matrix, enabling numerous sustainable applications in environmental remediation. The Fe₃O₄@FUR exhibited a high maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 79.6 mg/g at pH 1. Kinetic results demonstrated that Cr(VI) adsorption on Fe₃O₄@FUR followed a pseudo-second-order model. Several characterization methods, including particle size analysis, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, TG-DSC, and XRD, proved that the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were successfully integrated into the formaldehyde-urea resin matrix. The stability and reusability of Fe₃O₄@FUR were evaluated by four rounds of regeneration testing. The proposed method is reliable for Cr(VI) sorption in pond, dam, and river water samples.