Adsorption Studies on Polymer Matrix-Mixed Metal (Fe-Mn-Zn) Oxide Nanocomposite for Removing Zn (II) ions from Contaminated Water.

Abstract

A huge number of contaminants are discharged in the environment by various industries. The water bodies are the major receivers of the contaminants. The major water contaminants are of biological, chemicals and physical types. Some of these contaminants include nitrogen, bleach, salts, pesticides, metals, toxins produced by bacteria, and human or animal drugs. Heavy metals contaminants in water are of major concern due to their serious effect on the health of living beings. Various methods like flocculation, ion exchange, precipitation, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, adsorption, electrolyte removal, and reduction are used to purify contaminated water. In treating the contaminated water, adsorption processes have attained significant maturity due to lower cost, easy operation and environmental friendliness. In the present study we have employed polymer magnetic nanocomposites of mixed oxides of metals (Fe-Mn-Zn) to treat contaminated water for removal Zn (II) ions using the principle of adsorption. We report here the percentage removal of Zn ions with adsorbent dose, with contact time, with pH and initial concentration of adsorbate ions. The adsorption data are validated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models. The surface area and porosity of sample was analyzed by BET analysis.