MAGNETIC NANO-BIOSORPTION OF HEAVY METAL FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING SUGARCANE BAGASSE

Uranium in the environment is hazardous to human health and requires better methods for detection and remediation. Bioadsorbent coated on nanocrystalline iron oxides offers a number of advantages as sorbents for water purification and environmental remediation. In this study, first highly uniform and crystalline iron oxide nanocrystals (nMAG) were prepared using iron salts in presence of NaOH by co- precipitation process and then sugarcane bagasse coated on synthesized iron oxide nanocrystals has been used as a bioadsorbent for uranium solution with low concentration. The effect of different parameters on optimum function of this process has been analyzed. The results showed that maximum uranium absorption occurs at pH levels of about 3. Optimum amounts of biomass, uranium concentration and contact time are 0.1 gr, 50 ppm and 120 min, respectively. Thus, the uranium biosorption by magnetic biosorbent can be considered a potential technology of treatment process for uranium removal in which the adsorbents and the adsorbed pollutant can be quickly recycled by simply applying a magnet.