Removal of Phosphate from Aqueous Solutions by Iron Nano-Magnetic Particle Coated with Powder Activated Carbon

Background: The increase in the amount of phosphate in aquatic environments disrupts the balance of the growth of aquatic organisms and causes serious environmental problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the removal of phosphate ion using powdered activated carbon coated with magnetic iron nanoparticles. Methods: For this purpose, the synthesis of nanoparticles was carried out through co-precipitation mechanism and the effects of various parameters including the amount of adsorbent dose, pH, initial concentration, temperature, contact time, and also the effect of interaction ions on adsorption performance were evaluated in a batch system. Then, the study of Kinetics and isotherms was performed on the obtained data. To determine the characteristics of the produced nanoparticles, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray Diffraction and infrared spectroscopy were used. Results: The results showed that the maximum adsorption (100%) happened in pH=4 after 90 min of the contact between the solution and the adsorbent. experimental data also matched the Langmuir isotherm. Conclusions: According to the results obtained, as an eco-friendly adsorbent, the powdered activated carbon sorbent coated with magnetic iron nanoparticles has a desirable capability in removal of phosphate.