Lead (II) removal from aqueous solution by magnetic nanoparticles (MnFe2O4) functionalized with sulfonated polystyrene

ABSTRACT

The present study contemplates the application of magnetic nanoparticles of manganese ferrite MnFe₂O₄ (NPM) modified with sulfonated polystyrene (PSS) in the adsorption of Pb(II) ions for the purpose of treating wastewater. The functionalization of the nanoparticle with the polymer aimed to increase the adsorption capacity and include the use of recyclable material due to its environmental importance. Adsorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, point of zero charge, surface area, and porosity. PSS represented around 14% of the mass of magnetic nanoparticles of MnFe₂O₄ functionalized with sulfonated polystyrene (NPM-PSS) and the content of sulfonic groups was 17.18%. The Freundlich isotherm and pseudo second order kinetic models showed greater accuracy by the experimental data of adsorption of Pb (II) ions by NPM-PSS, whose adsorption capacity of nanoparticles ranged from 6.254 to 7.535 mg g⁻¹.

Keywords:
Heavy metal, Pb (II); adsorption; manganese ferrite; sulfonate polystyrene; wastewater treatment