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.