OPTIMIZATION OF NICKEL REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER USING LYSINE-COATED MAGNETIC IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES: EFFECT OF DOSAGE, CONCENTRATION, AND CONTACT TIME

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in wastewater is a growing environmental concern, requiring effective removal techniques to protect ecosystems and human health. This study focuses on optimizing the removal of nickel, a prevalent heavy metal, from wastewater using lysine-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation method and coated with lysine to enhance their adsorption properties. Various parameters, including nickel concentration (200–1000 ppm), contact time (30 min–1440 min), and nanoparticle dosage (0.1g–0.6g), were optimized to evaluate their effects on removal efficiency. The conductance of the filtrate was measured to assess nickel removal performance, with regression analysis employed to determine the significance of each parameter. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between nickel concentration and removal efficiency, with the highest conductance observed at 1000 ppm. Similarly, an optimal contact time of 120 minutes was found to maximize adsorption, while further time extensions showed diminishing returns. Moreover, the nanoparticle dosage significantly influenced the removal efficiency, with 0.6g of lysine-coated MNPs yielding the highest conductance (3.88 ms). The findings suggest that concentration and nanoparticle dosage are crucial for effective nickel removal, while optimizing contact time is essential for maximizing the adsorption process. This study highlights the potential of lysine-coated MNPs as a cost-effective and efficient solution for heavy metal removal in wastewater treatment