Differentiating Nanomaghemite and Nanomagnetite and Discussing Their Importance in Arsenic and Lead Removal from Contaminated Effluents: A Critical Review

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Chenopodium quinoa Extract

In this study, we achieved the biosynthesis of novel 7-8 nm iron-oxide nanoparticles in the presence of different concentrations (5 to 50% w/v) of commercial white quinoa extract. Initially, quinoa extract was prepared at various concentrations by a purification route. The biosynthesis optimization was systematically monitored by X-ray diffraction, and the Rietveld quantitative analysis showed the presence of goethite (5 to 10 wt.%) and maghemite phases. The first phase disappeared upon increasing the organic loading (40 and 50% w/v). The organic loading was corroborated by thermogravimetric measurements, and it increased with quinoa extract concentration. Its use reduces the amount of precipitation agent at high quinoa extract concentrations with the formation of magnetic nanoparticles with hard ferrimagnetic character (42 and 11 emu g-1). The enrichment of hydroxyl groups and the negative zeta potential above pH = 7 were corroborated by a reduction in the point of zero charge in all the samples. For alkaline values, the zeta potential values were above the stability range, indicating highly stable chemical species. The evidence of hydroxyl and amide functionalization was qualitatively observed using infrared analysis, which showed that the carboxyl (quercetin/kaempferol), amide I, and amide III chemical groups are retained after biosynthesis. The resultant biosynthesized samples can find applications in environmental remediation due to the affinity of the chemical agents present on the particle surfaces and easy-to-handle them magnetically.

Synthesis and Characterization of Maghemite Nanoparticles Functionalized with Poly(Sodium 4-Styrene Sulfonate) Saloplastic and Its Acute Ecotoxicological Impact on the Cladoceran Daphnia magna

Using a modified co-precipitation method, 11(2) nm γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles functionalized with PSSNa [Poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)] saloplastic polymer were successfully synthesized, and their structural, vibrational, electronic, thermal, colloidal, hyperfine, and magnetic properties were systematically studied using various analytic techniques. The results showed that the functionalized γ-Fe2O3/PSSNa nanohybrid has physicochemical properties that allow it to be applied in the magnetic remediation process of water. Before being applied as a nanoadsorbent in real water treatment, a short-term acute assay was developed and standardized using a Daphnia magna biomarker. The ecotoxicological tests indicated that the different concentrations of the functionalized nanohybrid may affect the mortality of the Daphnia magna population during the first 24 h of exposure. A lethal concentration of 533(5) mg L-1 was found. At high concentrations, morphological changes were also seen in the body, heart, and antenna. Therefore, these results suggested the presence of alterations in normal growth and swimming skills. The main changes observed in the D. magna features were basically caused by the PSSNa polymer due to its highly stable colloidal properties (zeta potential > -30 mV) that permit a direct and constant interaction with the Daphnia magna neonates.

Nanoparticles and nanofiltration for wastewater treatment: From polluted to fresh water

Water pollution poses significant threats to both ecosystems and human health. Mitigating this issue requires effective treatment of domestic wastewater to convert waste into bio-fertilizers and gas. Neglecting liquid waste treatment carries severe consequences for health and the environment. This review focuses on intelligent technologies for water and wastewater treatment, targeting waterborne diseases. It covers pollution prevention and purification methods, including hydrotherapy, membrane filtration, mechanical filters, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and copper-zinc cleaning. The article also highlights domestic purification, field techniques, heavy metal removal, and emerging technologies like nanochips, graphene, nanofiltration, atmospheric water generation, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)-based cleaning. Emphasizing water cleaning's significance for ecosystem protection and human health, the review discusses pollution challenges and explores the integration of wastewater treatment, coagulant processes, and nanoparticle utilization in management. It advocates collaborative efforts and innovative research for freshwater preservation and pollution mitigation. Innovative biological systems, combined with filtration, disinfection, and membranes, can elevate recovery rates by up to 90%, surpassing individual primary (<10%) or biological methods (≤50%). Advanced treatment methods can achieve up to 95% water recovery, exceeding UN goals for clean water and sanitation (Goal 6). This progress aligns with climate action objectives and safeguards vital water-rich habitats (Goal 13). The future holds promise with advanced purification techniques enhancing water quality and availability, underscoring the need for responsible water conservation and management for a sustainable future.

Insight into synthesis and characterisation of Ga0.9Fe2.1O4 superparamagnetic NPs for biomedical applications

A Ga3+-substituted spinel magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) with the formula Ga0.9Fe2.1O4 were synthesized using both the one-pot solvothermal decomposition method (TD) and the microwave-assisted heating method (MW). Stable colloidal solutions were obtained by using triethylene glycol, which served as a NPs stabilizer and as a reaction medium in both methods. A narrow size distribution of NPs, below 10 nm, was achieved through selected nucleation and growth. The composition, structure, morphology, and magnetic properties of the NPs were investigated using FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and magnetic measurements. NPs with the expected spinel structure were obtained in the case of the TD method, while the MW method produced, additionally, an important amount of gallium suboxide. The NPs, especially those prepared by TD, have superparamagnetic behavior with 2.02 μB/f.u. at 300 K and 3.06 μB/f.u. at 4.2 K. For the MW sample these values are 0.5 μB/f.u. and 0.6 μB/f.u. at 300 K and 4.2 K, respectively. The MW prepared sample contains a secondary phase and very small NPs which affects both the dimensional distribution and the magnetic behavior of NPs. The NPs were tested in vitro on amniotic mesenchymal stem cells. It was shown that the cellular metabolism is active in the presence of Ga0.9Fe2.1O4 NPs and preserves an active biocompatible cytoskeleton.

Preparation of Selenium-Based Drug-Modified Polymeric Ligand-Functionalised Fe3O4 Nanoparticles as Multimodal Drug Carrier and Magnetic Hyperthermia Inductor

In recent years, much effort has been invested into developing multifunctional drug delivery systems to overcome the drawbacks of conventional carriers. Magnetic nanoparticles are not generally used as carriers but can be functionalised with several different biomolecules and their size can be tailored to present a hyperthermia response, allowing for the design of multifunctional systems which can be active in therapies. In this work, we have designed a drug carrier nanosystem based on Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with large heating power and 4-amino-2-pentylselenoquinazoline as an attached drug that exhibits oxidative properties and high selectivity against a variety of cancer malignant cells. For this propose, two samples composed of homogeneous Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) with different sizes, shapes, and magnetic properties have been synthesised and characterised. The surface modification of the prepared Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles has been developed using copolymers composed of poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride), dodecylamine, polyethylene glycol and the drug 4-amino-2-pentylselenoquinazoline. The obtained nanosystems were properly characterised. Their in vitro efficacy in colon cancer cells and as magnetic hyperthermia inductors was analysed, thereby leaving the door open for their potential application as multimodal agents.

Surface Adsorption Mechanism between Lead(II,IV) and Nanomaghemite Studied on Polluted Water Samples Collected from the Peruvian Rivers Mantaro and Cumbaza

Real water remediation is an important issue that requires the development of novel adsorbents with remarkable adsorption properties, permitting reusability. In this work, the surface and adsorption properties of bare magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were systematically studied, before and after the application of a maghemite nanoadsorbent in two real Peruvian effluents severely contaminated with Pb(II), Pb(IV), Fe(III), and others. We were able to describe the Fe and Pb adsorption mechanisms that occurred at the particle surface. ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results together with kinetic adsorption analyses gave evidence for two involved surface mechanisms: (i) surface deprotonation of maghemite nanoparticles (isoelectric point of pH = 2.3), forming Lewis sites bonding Pb complexes; and (ii) the formation of a thin inhomogeneous secondary layer of iron oxyhydroxide and adsorbed Pb compounds, as favored by surface physicochemical conditions. The magnetic nanoadsorbent enhanced the removal efficiency to values of ca. 96% and provided adsorptive properties with reusability due to the conserved morphological, structural, and magnetic properties. This makes it favorable for large-scale industrial applications.

Efficient removal of Cr(VI) and As(V) from an aquatic system using iron oxide supported typha biochar

The removal of Cr(VI) and As(V) from aqueous solutions has been a worldwide concern. In this study, Typha biochar (FBC) with magnetic iron oxide was prepared by impregnating Typha with FeCl₃ and performing pyrolysis, and the possible mechanism of Cr(VI) and As(V) removal was investigated by combining characterization means and adsorption experiments. The results showed that the modified Typha biochar is rich in pores and has the potential to eliminate Cr and As through processes such as exchange and reduction. The single molecule uptake capacities of FBC for Cr(VI) and As(V) were 32.82 and 21.56 mg g^-1, respectively. The adsorption process is spontaneous heat absorption, and the adsorption results are also consistent with the proposed secondary kinetic model. FBC still had >60% removal efficiency in the second and third reuse of Cr(VI), indicating its good recyclability. Therefore, this study confirms that FBC can effectively remove both Cr(VI) and As(V).

Electroacupuncture alleviates early brain injury via modulating microglia polarization and suppressing neuroinflammation in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage refers to an uncommon but severe subtype of stroke leading to high mortality and disability rates. Electroacupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical therapy combined with modern technology, shows evident curative effects on cerebral vascular diseases. This study attempts to investigate the possible treatment effects and mechanisms of EA on early brain injury after SAH. Data were gathered among sham group, SAH-induced group, and EA-treated group of male SD rats, concerning mortality rates, weight loss, rotarod latencies, cerebral blood flow, cell apoptosis, pro-inflammatory cytokines releasing, apoptotic protein level, microglia activation and related signal pathway. All results were collected 24-72 h after SAH induction. EA treatment demonstrated significant improvement on motor function 24 h after SAH without significant changes in mortality rate, weight loss, and cerebral blood flow. Another important finding was that EA regulated Bax and Bcl-2 imbalance and reduced cleaved casepase-3 caused by SAH. Additionally, levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 were suppressed. The neuron apoptosis was suppressed by EA. The M1 polarization of activated microglia decreased while M2 polarized phenotype increased after EA treatment. Furthermore, pSTAT3-NOX2 signal axis, the M1 phenotype related activation pathway, was depressed after EA treatment. These findings suggested that EA improved motor deficits and ameliorated early brain injury after SAH probably via decreasing neuron apoptosis and anti-inflammation, which may involve modulation of microglia polarization. Taken together, EA may be a potential therapy for SAH treatment.

Reline deep eutectic solvent mediated synthesis of lanthanum titanate for heavy metal remediation and photocatalytic degradation

Toxic heavy metal and dye contamination are potential threats that mutilate the essential triad of life; air, water and soil. Despite commercial applicability and importance, the over accumulation of these noxious toxicants has become a disturbing concern. As a result, their remediation has drawn greater fascination leading to the inexplicable quest for a material which can act as both an adsorbent and as a photocatalyst. The present work highlights a novel solid-state technique assisted with reline (Choline chloride: Urea) deep eutectic solvent for the synthesis of lanthanum titanate. The synthesized material was established with physical characterizations like PXRD, FT-IR, UV-DRS, BET, XPS, HR-SEM and TEM techniques. Further, the ruptured petal-like lanthanum titanate was integrated as an adsorbent for the removal of lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) heavy metals. The adsorbent presented increased adsorption efficiencies of 96, 74 and 71% towards Pb, As and Cr respectively. Dependence of the degradation efficiency over concentration, pH, contact time and competitive environments were analyzed and inferred. Furthermore, lanthanum titanate was used for the photocatalytic degradation of reactive black (RB5), red (RR198) and yellow (RY145) dyes. The degradation efficiencies were found to be 68.31, 85.2 and 96.8% for RB5, RR198 and RY145 dyes respectively. Variation in concentration and pH of the dye solutions were examined and reaction kinetics was also proposed. In conclusion, the as synthesized lanthanum titanate is assured to play dual roles as a versatile cost-effective adsorbent for the remediation of heavy metals and as a potential candidate for photocatalytic degradation.

Mössbauer Spectroscopy with a High Velocity Resolution in the Studies of Nanomaterials

The present review describes our long experience in the application of Mössbauer spectroscopy with a high velocity resolution (a high discretization of the velocity reference signal) in the studies of various nanosized and nanostructured iron-containing materials. The results reviewed discuss investigations of: (I) nanosized iron cores in: (i) extracted ferritin, (ii) ferritin in liver and spleen tissues in normal and pathological cases, (iii) ferritin in bacteria, (iv) pharmaceutical ferritin analogues; (II) nanoparticles developed for magnetic fluids for medical purposes; (III) nanoparticles and nanostructured FINEMET alloys developed for technical purposes. The results obtained demonstrate that the high velocity resolution Mössbauer spectroscopy permits to excavate more information and to extract more spectral components in the complex Mössbauer spectra with overlapped components, in comparison with those obtained by using conventional Mössbauer spectroscopy. This review also shows the advances of Mössbauer spectroscopy with a high velocity resolution in the study of various iron-based nanosized and nanostructured materials since 2005.

Mössbauer spectroscopic investigations on iron oxides and modified nanostructures: A review

Pure and doped iron oxide and hydroxide nanoparticles are highly potential materials for biological, environment, energy and other technological applications. On demand of the applications, single phase as well as multiple phase of different polymorphs or composites of iron oxides with compatible materials for example, zeolite, SiO₂, or Au are prepared. The properties of the as-synthesized nanoparticles are predominantly dictated by the local structure and the distribution of the cations. Mössbauer spectroscopy is a perfect and efficient characterization technique to investigate the local structure of the Mössbauer-active element such as Fe, Au, and Sn. In the present review, the local structure transformation on the optimization of the magnetite coexisted with iron hydroxides, spin dynamics of the bare, caped, core-shell and the composites of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), dipole-dipole interactions and the diffusion of IONPs were discussed, based on the findings using Mössbauer spectroscopy.

Progress toward Room-Temperature Synthesis and Functionalization of Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles

Novel magnetic nanohybrids composed of nanomaghemite covered by organic molecules were successfully synthesized at room temperature with different functionalization agents (sodium polystyrene sulfonate, oxalic acid, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) in low and high concentrations. Structural, vibrational, morphological, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, magnetic, and Mössbauer characterizations unraveled the presence of mainly cubic inverse spinel maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), whilst X-ray diffraction and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that most samples contain a minor amount of goethite phase (α-FeOOH). Raman analysis at different laser power revealed a threshold value of 0.83 mW for all samples, for which the γ-Fe2O3 to α-Fe2O3 phase transition was observed. Imaging microscopy revealed controlled-size morphologies of nanoparticles, with sizes in the range from 8 to 12 nm. Organic functionalization of the magnetic nanoparticles was demonstrated by vibrational and thermogravimetric measurements. For some samples, Raman, magnetic, and Mössbauer measurements suggested an even more complex core-shell-like configuration, with a thin shell containing magnetite (Fe3O4) covering the γ-Fe2O3 surface, thus causing an increase in the saturation magnetization of approximately 11% against nanomaghemite. Field cooling hysteresis curves at 5 K did not evidence an exchange bias effect, confirming that the goethite phase is not directly interacting magnetically with the functionalized maghemite nanoparticles. These magnetic nanohybrids may be suitable for applications in effluent remediation and biomedicine.

Raman, TEM, EELS, and Magnetic Studies of a Magnetically Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanohybrid following Exposure to Daphnia magna Biomarkers

A ternary nanocomposite made of nanomaghemite, nanoanatase, and graphene oxide has been successfully synthesized using an inorganic coprecipitation approach, and it has been systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and different spectrocopic techniques (electron energy loss, µ-Raman, and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer) after interaction with an effluent containing Daphnia magna individuals. Specifically, the influence of the nanocomposite over the Daphnia magna carapace, administered in two doses (0.5 mg mL⁻¹ and 1 mg mL⁻¹), has been characterized using µ-Raman spectroscopy before and after laser burning protocols, producing information about the physicochemical interaction with the biomarker. The thermal stability of the nanocomposite was found to be equal to 500 °C, where the nanoanatase and the nanomaghemite phases have respectively conserved their structural identities. The magnetic properties of the nanomaghemite have also been kept unchanged even after the high-temperature experiments and exposure to Daphnia magna. In particular, the size, texture, and structural and morphological properties of the ternary nanocomposite have not shown any significant physicochemical modifications after magnetic decantation recuperation. A significant result is that the graphene oxide reduction was kept even after the ecotoxicological assays. These sets of observations are based on the fact that while the UV-Vis spectrum has confirmed the graphene oxide reduction with a localized peak at 260 nm, the 300-K and 15-K ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra have only revealed the presence of stoichiometric maghemite, i.e., the two well-defined static magnetic sextets often found in the bulk ferrimagnetic counterpart phase. The Mössbauer results have also agreed with the trivalent-like valence state of Fe ions, as also suggested by electron energy loss spectroscopy data. Thus, the ternary nanocomposite does not substantially affect the Daphnia magna, and it can be easily recovered using an ordinary magnetic decantation protocol due to the ferrimagnetic-like character of the nanomaghemite phase. Consequently, it shows remarkable physicochemical properties for further reuse, such as cleaning by polluted effluents, at least where Daphnia magna species are present.

Effect of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the composition of montmorillonite and its sorption capacity for pyrene

Fe content and distribution on montmorillonite would probably enhance its sorption capacity for hydrophobic organic pollutants. Thus, Fe modified montmorillonites with different ratios of FeSO₄·7H₂O and Ca-montmorillonite were prepared. The results indicated that γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were not only generated at the montmorillonite surfaces, but that the γ-Fe₂O₃ also extended the edges of montmorillonite surfaces. The sorption capacities for pyrene were enhanced and even reached 834.79 μg g^-1 with increase in ferrous iron content, but were then suppressed due to aggregation of γ-Fe₂O₃ on montmorillonite surfaces. Furthermore, pyrene was directly observed on γ-Fe₂O₃-montmorillonite surfaces with a lattice spacing parameter of approximately 0.27 nm, indicating that a new phase that mainly contained pyrene was generated during the sorption process. Additionally, after regenerating the γ-Fe₂O₃-montmorillonite composites, they could be reused for at least 5 cycles. It is therefore proposed that the prepared γ-Fe₂O₃-montmorillonite could be exploited as a potential green composite for remediation of hydrophobic organic pollutants in soil and sediment.

A Ferrofluid with High Specific Absorption Rate Prepared in a Single Step Using a Biopolymer

An exhaustive characterization of the physicochemical properties of gum arabic (GA)-coated Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles was conducted in this work. These nanoparticles were obtained via the in-situ coprecipitation method (a fast single-step method) in two GA:Fe ratios, 10:1 and 20:1, respectively. Several experimental techniques were applied in the characterization process, all of them described below. Using Transmission Electron Microcopy images, they were shown to have spherical-like morphology with 11 nm diameter. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectra confirmed the attachment of the GA on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), providing good colloidal stability from pH 7 to 8. The thickness of the coatings (1.7 nm and 1.1 nm) was determined using thermogravimetric measurements. A high specific absorption rate and superparamagnetic properties were determined using alternant and static magnetic fields, respectively. The GA-coated MNPs were non-cytotoxic, according to tests on HT-29 human intestine cells. Additionally, HT-29 cells were exposed to magnetic fluid hyperthermia at 530 kHz, and the induction of cell death by the magnetic field, due to the heating of GA-coated MNP, was observed.

As(III, V) Uptake from Nanostructured Iron Oxides and Oxyhydroxides: The Complex Interplay between Sorbent Surface Chemistry and Arsenic Equilibria

Iron oxides/oxyhydroxides, namely maghemite, iron oxide-silica composite, akaganeite, and ferrihydrite, are studied for AsV and AsIII removal from water in the pH range 2-8. All sorbents were characterized for their structural, morphological, textural, and surface charge properties. The same experimental conditions for the batch tests permitted a direct comparison among the sorbents, particularly between the oxyhydroxides, known to be among the most promising As-removers but hardly compared in the literature. The tests revealed akaganeite to perform better in the whole pH range for AsV (max 89 mg g-1 at pH0 3) but to be also efficient toward AsIII (max 91 mg g-1 at pH0 3-8), for which the best sorbent was ferrihydrite (max 144 mg g-1 at pH0 8). Moreover, the study of the sorbents' surface chemistry under contact with arsenic and arsenic-free solutions allowed the understanding of its role in the arsenic uptake through electrophoretic light scattering and pH measurements. Indeed, the sorbent's ability to modify the starting pH was a crucial step in determining the removal of performances. The AsV initial concentration, contact time, ionic strength, and presence of competitors were also studied for akaganeite, the most promising remover, at pH0 3 and 8 to deepen the uptake mechanism.

Invasive plants as biosorbents for environmental remediation: a review

Water contamination is an environmental burden for the next generations, calling for advanced methods such as adsorption to remove pollutants. For instance, unwanted biowaste and invasive plants can be converted into biosorbents for environmental remediation. This would partly solve the negative effects of invasive plants, estimated at 120 billion dollars in the USA. Here we review the distribution, impact, and use of invasive plants for water treatment, with emphasis on the preparation of biosorbents and removal of pollutants such as cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury, chromate, synthetic dyes, and fossil fuels. Those biosorbents can remove 90-99% heavy metals from aqueous solutions. High adsorption capacities of 476.190 mg/g for synthetic dyes and 211 g/g for diesel oils have been observed. We also discuss the regeneration of these biosorbents.