Removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions using MgFe2O4 nano spinel and GO/MgFe2O4 nanocomposite: An application of response surface methodology

Abstract

The adsorptive performance of MgFe2O4 nanoparticles and graphene oxide (GO)/MgFe2O4 nanocomposite was investigated in the removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions. The statistical study of the adsorption process was carried out by response surface methodology. Experimental factors such as sample pH, contact time (min), arsenic concentration (ppm) and adsorbent dosage (g) were considered for the optimization of the adsorption process. Under the optimum conditions, the values of initial arsenic concentration, contact time, pH and adsorbent dosage were 41 ppm, 30 min, 7.16 and 0.03 g, respectively. The removal of arsenic under optimum conditions was predicted 99% and resulted in 97% in practice. The Pareto analysis suggested that order of relative importance of the factors is as follows: adsorbent dosage > pH > contact time > arsenic concentration. GO/MgFe2O4 nanocomposite showed a higher capacity than GO for adsorption of arsenic.