Vegetal Route for the Synthesis of Iron Oxide and its Composite Nanostructures for Cr(VI) Decontamination

Abstract

Access to drinkable water is fundamental for all life forms, including the human species. Water is necessary for various purposes beyond consumption, including home, industrial, and agricultural uses. Large quantities of hazardous chemicals, metals, dyes, and similar substances were discharged into water bodies like rivers. This causes water pollution by releasing harmful environmental substances such as heavy metals, pigments, and chemicals. Hexavalent chromium is a prime example of this type of pollutant. Many diseases, including cancer, have been linked to exposure to hexavalent chromium. The World Health Organization and the Indian Standard (IS:10500) have established a permissible limit for hexavalent chromium in drinking water at 0.05 mg/L. The removal of Cr(VI) through its adsorption, specifically using nanoparticles synthesized from green sources (plant part extract), is an environmentally benign technology that does not require harmful chemicals. This doctoral study utilizes phytochemicals from matured Tea (Camellia sinensis var. Assamica) leaves extract and polyphenols (tannic acid) to synthesize engineered Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) for the adsorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution