| Aug 06, 2012 |
Synthesis of nano adsorbents for mercury elimination based on WHO standards
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(Nanowerk News) Researchers from Martyr Chamran University of Ahvaz succeeded in the production of a new type of nano adsorbents that can eliminate mercury from polluted environments. They came up with the invention by modifying the structure of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (see paper in Journal of Hazardous Materials: "Fast and efficient removal of mercury from water samples using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles modified with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole").
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The produced nanoparticles are able to reduce the amount of mercury to less than the concentration announced by World Health Organization (WHO) at shorter periods.
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The elimination of the toxic organic and inorganic materials from the environment has always been a challenge for the environment friends. Being known as a very toxic metal for humans and animals, mercury pollutes the habitats of other creatures too. Therefore, the purification of the environment and water reservoirs is vital.
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A research team from Martyr Chamran University of Ahvaz succeeded in the elimination of mercury from aqueous media by using 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and by coating it on the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Removal of mercury from water at lower concentrations was carried out by using the same compound successfully.
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The synthesized nano adsorbent needs less time to obtain the required adsorption in comparison with other existing adsorbents. According to the results of the experiments, the nano adsorbent is able to rapidly adsorb mercury at low concentrations. It causes the amount of mercury remaining in the environment to be less than the amount announced by WHO.
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The results also suggest that the synthesized nano adsorbent is able to adsorb other heavy metals as well.
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