As(V) remediation using electrochemically synthesized maghemite nanoparticles

Maghemite nanoparticles were electrochemically synthesized from environmentally benign solutions in ambient conditions and utilized to remediate As(V) from aqueous solution. The average size and surface area of the maghemite nanoparticles were controlled to be 11–23 nm and 41–49 m² g⁻¹, respectively, by adjusting applied current density. The point of zero charge and crystallinity were independent of size. The effect of size and environmental conditions (i.e., maghemite nanoparticles content, contact time, and solution pH) on the adsorption of As(V) were systematically investigated. Similar to As(V) remediation using zero valent iron nanoparticles (NZVI), the kinetics of adsorption were best described by the pseudo first order model where the remediation is limited by the mass transfer of As(V) to adsorption sites of maghemite. The adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic which fitted with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results observed in batch study indicate that maghemite nanoparticles were suitable adsorbent for remediating As(V) concentration to the limit (10 μg l⁻¹) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).