Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Magnetic NiFe2O4-Chitosan Nanocomposite for Cyanide Removal: A Sustainable Strategy for Water Resource Management

Abstract

The growing issue of water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and extended droughts, underscores the critical need for effective water and wastewater treatment strategies. In this study, NiFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized using a green synthesis approach in peppermint (Mentha) extract medium, ensuring an eco-friendly fabrication process. The magnetic nanoparticles were coated and modified with chitosan, resulting in a new nanocomposite with improved adsorption properties. This green-synthesized magnetic chitosan nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, XRD, VSM, SEM, and TEM, and subsequently applied to remove cyanide from contaminated groundwater and industrial wastewater. The adsorption process was optimized through an experimental design procedure, achieving a maximum removal efficiency of 97.1 ± 3.8% at a 95% confidence level, closely matching the experimental results of 95.8 ± 7.7%. The results highlight the potential of this sustainable nanocomposite for water and wastewater treatment, aiding effective water resource management in the face of climate change and growing water scarcity.