Investigation of the Mechanochemical Synthesis of Iron (III) Oxide Nanoparticles as a Potential Treatment Technology for Pharmaceutical Wastewaster Discharge (Published)
The synthesis, characterization and analysis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles and their efficiency in treating pharmaceutical wastewater were investigated. The Fe2O3 nanoparticles, produced through mechanochemical synthesis, had a rough surface texture with numerous small depressions and protrusions, increasing their adsorption capacity. EDX analysis identified 12 elements, with carbon and iron being the most prominent at 33. 83% and 25.74%, respectively. The particles varied in size from approximately 50 nm to 200 nm and displayed mostly spherical shapes, with some agglomeration that contributed to high surface area and attractive forces. FTIR Analysis identified various functional groups such as aldehydes, carboxylic acids, alkynes, benzene structures, amines, and alcohols groups. The Fe2O3 nanoparticles showed a high efficiency in decontaminating PAHs, with observed efficiency trend: Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene (99.60%) > Anthracene (99.12%) > Benzo(g,h,i)perylene (98.78%) > Pyrene (98.68%) > Phenanthrene (98.66%) > Acenaphthene (98.53%) > Fluoranthene (97.52%) > Benzo(a)pyrene (97.01%) > Acenaphthylene (94.92%) > Fluorene (90.69%) > Chrysene (84.96%) > Indeno(1,2,3)pyrene (82.56%) > Benzo(a)anthracene (73.22%) > Benzo(b)fluoranthene (64.66%) > Benzo(b)anthracene (39.84%) > Benzo(k)fluoranthene (31.80%). The untreated and treated wastewater recorded values of 426 mg/l and 108 mg/l respectively for COD, with a percentage removal efficiency of 75%. The trend in the percentage removal efficiencies of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles was Sulphates (96%), Cl (92%), COD (75%), DO (67%), and BOD (47%). However, there was an increase in nitrate levels after treatment, suggesting that Fe2O3 nanoparticle may not be suitable for treating pharmaceutical wastewater with high levels of Nitrates ions. The nanoparticle showed high capacity for treating pharmaceutical wastewater with high levels metals. The removal efficiency of Cu concentrations was 51%, while Ni recorded the least removal efficiency. The strength of the removal efficiency for the Fe2O3 nanoparticle was Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni. Initial characterization showed significant bacterial colonies, total bacterial count, and E. coli, which were greatly reduced after treatment with Fe2O3 nanoparticles. No evidence of coliform growth indicated no faecal contamination in the effluent. The research highlights the effectiveness of Fe2O3 nanoparticles in treating pharmaceutical wastewater by significantly reducing various contaminants and. improving the quality of the effluent
Keywords: Contaminants, Nanoparticle, mechanochemical, porous, synthesis, wastewater