Biogenic Synthesis of Nanosized Calcium and Magnesium Ferrites for the Efficient Removal of As+3 ions

Green synthesis is highly sophisticated method for the formation of nanoparticles. In present study, Cucumis sativus peel extract was used for the synthesis of eco-friendly calcium ferrite (CaF) and magnesium ferrites (MgF) nanoparticles for the removal of carcinogenic arsenic from the aqueous media. Crystallinity, phase identification, functionality, surface area, morphology, and surface charge were evaluated by using XRD, FTIR, BET, SEM/EDX, TEM and Zeta potential. After adsorption, SEM and EDX were performed to determine the morphological and elemental changes. The BET surface areas of CaF and MgF were found 282 m²/g and 194 m²/g respectively. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to optimize different parameters such as pH, contact time, concentration, temperature and dose for the efficient removal of toxic metal. The gradual increase in adsorption was observed till 90 min at pH 7. The nanoparticles showed remarkable removal efficiency of about 86–92%. Pseudo second order kinetic, Langmuir and Freundlich models were found best fitted on the sorption data. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated for CaF and MgF were 1111 µg/g and 446 µg/g respectively. To check the reusability of adsorbents, eluent optimization and regeneration studies were also carried out. On the basis of post-sorption FTIR spectra, the proposed mechanism was surface complexation.