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Implementing magnetically-active Sn-based nanocomposites in hexavalent chromium removal from drinking water
Theopoula Asimakidou1, Kyriaki Kalaitzidou2, Fani Pinakidou3
1Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
A new magnetic nanocomposite effectively removes hexavalent chromium from water, meeting drinking water standards. This innovation offers a promising solution for water purification, utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles and tin oxyhydroxy-chloride.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) poses significant health risks and is a contaminant of concern in drinking water.
- Existing water treatment methods for Cr(VI) removal often face challenges with efficiency, cost, or scalability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel magnetic nanocomposite for efficient Cr(VI) removal.
- To evaluate the performance of the nanocomposite in a continuous-flow system and assess its potential for water purification.
Main Methods:
- Continuous-flow synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and abhurite (tin hydroxy-chloride).
- Wet-blending to create a homogeneous Fe3O4-loaded tin oxyhydroxy-chloride nanocomposite.
- Batch and pilot-scale testing for Cr(VI) adsorption capacity and removal efficiency.
Main Results:
- The 10% Fe3O4-loaded nanocomposite demonstrated a Cr(VI) uptake capacity of 7.2 mg/g, achieving residual concentrations below 25 μg/L.
- Adsorption kinetics indicated rapid Cr(VI) capture dominated by interparticle diffusion, with a spontaneous, endothermic process involving reduction to Cr(III).
- Pilot-scale tests using a magnetic separator showed efficient Cr(VI) removal, proving a viable alternative to fixed-bed filtration.
Conclusions:
- The developed magnetic nanocomposite is an effective and potentially cost-competitive adsorbent for removing hexavalent chromium from water.
- The material exhibits good performance, recyclability via magnetic separation, and lacks acute cellular toxicity, making it suitable for drinking water treatment applications.
