Abstract
Green protocols for synthesizing nanoparticles have demonstrated numerous benefits and advantages, which include environmental friendliness, good efficacy and possess less threat to human. The aim of this study was to biosynthesize, characterize and evaluate the effectiveness of biosynthesized iron nanoparticles. The bioflocculant was extracted using a solvent extraction method and purified by 100 mL distilled water and a mixture of chloroform and butanol (5:2 v/v). Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were successfully synthesized through the chemical reduction method. Where 0.5 g of bioflocculant was mixed with 3 mM iron sulphate (FeSO4) solution and left to stand at room temperature for 24 h. Characterization of the as-synthesized nanoparticles was achieved with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The various parameters that effect on flocculation activity were evaluated, with optimum flocculation activity at a dosage size of 0.4 mg/mL (88%). The FeNPs were found to be cation-dependent Mg2+ (82%) and flocculate both in acidic pH 3 and in alkaline pH 11 with (93%) flocculation activity. The synthesized FeNPs are thermostable as they maintain flocculation activity above 80% at 100 °C temperatures.
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Funding
Nkosinathi Dlamini would like to acknowledge the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR, South Africa) for the financial assistance in the form of the Ph.D. bursary. The authors would like to acknowledge the Electron Microscopy Unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville campus, for providing support by letting us use the TEM and SEM-EDX facilities for the characterization of nanomaterials. Rajasekhar Pullabhotla would like to acknowledge the National Research Foundation (NRF, South Arica) for the financial support in the form of the Incentive Fund Grant (Grant No: 103691) and Research Developmental Grant for Rated Researchers (112145).
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Nkosinathi, D.G., Albertus, B.K., Jabulani, S.S.E. et al. Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Application of Iron Nanoparticles: in Dye Removal and as Antimicrobial Agent. Water Air Soil Pollut 231, 130 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04498-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04498-x