Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Heavy Metal Removal from Aqueous Solutions: Kinetics and Equilibrium Modeling - Advanced Materials for Agriculture, Food and Environmental Safety - page 323

wastewater. As reported in some literature, extreme acidic or basic condi-
tions of solution can corrode the nanoparticles, causing loss of function
groups. h us, the stability of the nanoparticles in the treatment of heavy
metals strongly depends on the pH of the solution.
Nanotechnology of ers lots of advantageous potential for today's society
but similar with other techniques it also has some drawbacks. Increasing
use of nanoproducts and nanoadsorbents will increase the risk of nanopol-
lutants in the environment. Hence, there is an essential need for research to
solve the problems and overcome the challenges that have been discussed
in this chapter. In addition, there is a further need for the study of nanopar-
ticles behavior, fate, and ef ects in the dif erent spheres of the ecosystem
on a timely basis. Recent trends and widespread use of nanomaterials in
the environmental area are extremely new, and further research is needed
before there are on-site applications because of the nanotoxicity of the
materials.
Magnetic nanoparticles have tremendous potential for treating waste-
water containing toxic metal ions because of their high surface area, high
physicochemical stability, multifunctionality, ease in coating, and low-cost
of synthesis. Overall these nanomaterials can be successfully and ef ectively
applied for the recycling, treatment and sustainable management of water.
Acknowledgements
R.K. Gautam is thankful to the University Grants Commission, New Delhi,
for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). M.C. Chattopadhyaya
acknowledges the support and necessary facilities provided by the
University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India. We are thankful to Prof. V.S.
Tripathi, Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad,
India, for his support and encouragement during the study.
References
1. R.K. Gautam, Environmental Magnetism: Fundamentals and Applications ,
Saarbrucken, LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2012.
2. R.K. Gautam, M.C. Chattopadhyaya, and S.K. Sharma, “Biosorption of heavy
metals: Recent trends and challenges,” in: S.K. Sharma and R. Sanghi, eds.,
Wastewater Reuse and Management , Springer, pp. 305-322, 2013.
3. Z. Lin, Y. Zhang, Y. Chen, and H. Qian, Chemical Engineering Journal , Vol.
200, p. 104, 2012.