The use of magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles in water-oil separation

Abstract

Oil contaminations are a problem that Iran, as a country having oil reserves, faces it. These contaminations mostly occur in aquatic ecosystems and cause the death of many aquatic organisms, their entrance in the food chain, and health problems in human societies. Many solutions have been proposed for this problem, and using nanoparticles has been introduced as a new approach. In this project, iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized in order to be used in separating petroleum from water. These nanoparticles are biocompatible and could be directed and recovered by magnetism. Based on our experiments, nanoparticles were successful in separating petroleum from water. Furthermore, the recovered petroleum was analyzed by Gas Chromatography and showed no significant change. According to the results of the current investigation, the separated petroleum could be recovered and returned to the economic cycle of the country and inhibit the loss of national wealth.