Remediation of arsenic contaminated groundwater with magnetite (Fe3O4) and chitosan coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles, due to their high surface area, regenerative properties and possibility of in situ treatment, exhibited their application potential in capturing arsenic (As). The objective of the current study is to explore the potential of As adsorption by Fe3O4 nanoparticles (IONPs) and Chitosan coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Ch-IONPs). Batch experiments performed with an initial As(III) and As(V) concentration of 0.125 mg L-1, revealed a maximum As removal of 99.9% in 0.4 g L-1 IONPs and 0.6 g L-1 Ch-IONPs, at a pH equal to 7.0 and room temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity of IONPs and Ch-IONPs was 213.25 and 118.67 mu g g(-1) for As(III) and 239.50 and 116.33 mu g g(-1) for As(V), respectively. The Pearson Correlation value showed a better correlation with Freundlich isotherm (R-2 = 0.96) than Langmuir isotherm (R-2 = 0.87). The results of this work suggest that the incorporation of IONPs and Ch-IONPs as adsorbents, offer a promising option for As removal in water treatment.