Synthesis and Characterization of Phyllanthus acidus-Assisted Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater

The current research presents the synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Phyllanthus acidus leaf and investigates its efficiency in the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. The synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized using x-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive energy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and zeta potential analysis. SEM micrographs showed rod morphology, where a magnetite Fe₃O₄ phase was formed. The average size of the nanoparticles was 19 nm. The occurrence of phyto-compounds in extracts was capped, and the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles was determined by FT-IR analysis. Zeta potential and TGA analysis proved that highly stable nanoparticles were formed by biological methods. Phyllanthus acidus extract acted as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were used for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater. The most effective removal effects were observed for cadmium, copper, and lead, with a removal efficiency of 57.69%, 56.08%, and 87.93% respectively, which was measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The present study concludes that P. acidus-mediated iron oxide nanoparticles may be employed for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.