Efficient removal of toxic Cd(II) ions from waste streams by a novel modified biodegradable magnetic sorbent

Environmental remediation is challenged by the removal of harmful heavy metal contaminants from industrial waste streams. Because of its low cost and great effectiveness, adsorption is a commonly used separation method, particularly in environmental cleanup. Inexpensive, biodegradable orange peel-chitosan and Fe₃O₄ magnetic particles (Fe₃O₄-OP-CS) were combined in a simple process to create an innovative composite. Their structure and morphology were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analyses. At room temperature, adsorption experiments were conducted, and variables such pH, initial metal ion concentration, and contact time were tuned to maximize Cd(II) removal. The results of harmful Cd(II) sorption using the synthesized composite showed that its adsorption kinetics and sorption isotherm confirm to the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. The thermodynamic analysis showed that Cd(II) adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous. In comparison to previously reported materials, the new composite also displayed a high adsorption capacity (qmax) of 251.88 mg/g. The composite showed three cycles of reuse and might still be able to promise a maximum saturated adsorption capacity of more than 92%, and tolerance to related metal ions (Mn, Fe, Pb, and Cr) present in Cd (II). In addition to Cd(II) sorption for preconcentration and remediation before Cd testing from waste, digested tobacco, and battery samples, the proposed method is also credible for Cd(II) sorption.