Albumin-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as an efficient sorbent for removal of Pb(ii), Cd(ii), Cu(ii) and Cr(vi) ions from aqueous solutions

Abstract

Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles are increasingly attracting interest as a new and efficient sorbent for metallic contaminant elimination in environmental samples. Albumin modified magnetic nanoparticles (AMMNPs) were synthesized and characterized. This sorbent was used for removal of cationic and anionic species from the aqueous solutions. The sorbent showed a high adsorption capacity and short equilibrium time for Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and CrO₄²⁻ ions removal from aqueous solutions. The effects of different parameters on the adsorption processes were investigated and isotherm curves were constructed. This study showed that AMMNPs are a proper adsorbent for the removal of the studied hazardous ions and can also be used as an efficient sorption material for preconcentration of the studied ions in trace analyses. The adsorption process was very fast and adsorbent performance was not affected clearly by the presence of other ionic species.