Poster Fe3O4 nanoparticles-Loaded Cellulose Sponge: Novel system for the Arsenic removal from aqueous solution

Magnetic properties provide certain nanoparticles, such as those of iron oxides, an interesting solution for separation purposes [1]. When a magnetic field is applied, the particles acquire a certain magnetization but, the long range order is lost when the field is removed. However, during magnetic separation particles interact with each other generating aggregates. To overcome this situation, we have developed the magnetite nanoparticles fixation on a sponge of cellulose which helps to decrease the aggregation state and increase the adsorption of pollutants from aqueous effluents. We have applied this system to the adsorption of arsenic, both arsenate and arsenite, from aqueous solutions. Synthesis, characterization and application of magnetite nanoparticles to treat arsenic contaminated aqueous solution through a batch process were carried out. The experimental conditions effects over the arsenic adsorption capacity of magnetite nanoparticles are assessed. Magnetite nanoparticles have been synthesized by stocks solution of iron (III) and iron (II) in chloride media [2, 1]. Characterization was carried out by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) determining particle size as shown in Fig.1a and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) in order to certificate magnetite as the principal component of nanoparticles, Fig. 1b. Fixation of magnetit