Calcination and Microwave Assisted Biological Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Comparative Efficiency Studies for Domestic Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Owing to the limitations of conventional synthesis methods for iron nanoparticles and its wide range of environmental applications, there is a need to develop green synthesis protocols by exploring newer biological resources. In this study, for the first time, Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) leaves were used to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles by calcination (Fe NP Cal ) and microwave assisted method (Fe NP Mw ). The characterization of magnetic nanoparticles was done by different techniques. As prepared nanoparticles were compared for their efficiency to treat domestic wastewater in terms of orthophosphate (PO 4), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) removal. Fe NP Mw showed higher removal efficiency of PO 4 and COD (82% and 83% respectively) than Fe NP Cal (17%, 82% respectively) in 24 hours. Fe NP Cal exhibited superior antimicrobial activity than Fe NP Mw and completely inhibited E. coli.