Use of magnetite nanoparticles and magnetic separation for the removal of metal(loid)s from contaminated mine soils

Magnetite nanoparticles have been successfully used for removal and immobilization of contaminants in water, yet their application in soils combined with in situ magnetic separation remains unexplored. We evaluated the effectiveness and optimal conditions for using magnetite nanoparticles combined w...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Caballero Mejia, Bibiana, Moliner, Ana, Hontoria Fernández, Chiquinquirá, Mariscal Sancho, Ignacio, Pérez Esteban, Javier, Escolástico León, Consuelo
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia
Repositorio:e-spacio. Repositorio Institucional de la UNED
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:e-spacio.uned.es:20.500.14468/25188
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14468/25188
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:24 Ciencias de la Vida::2403 Bioquímica
magnetic separation
magnetite
metal
nanoremediation
pollution
Descripción
Sumario:Magnetite nanoparticles have been successfully used for removal and immobilization of contaminants in water, yet their application in soils combined with in situ magnetic separation remains unexplored. We evaluated the effectiveness and optimal conditions for using magnetite nanoparticles combined with magnetic separation to remove metal(loid)s from contaminated mine soils. Soil samples were incubated (15, 45 days) with varying doses of magnetite (0, 25, 50 g kg⁻¹) and moisture (dry, field capacity) and separated using electromagnet or permanent magnet. This technique achieved up to 44 % As, 65 % Cd, 60 % Cu, 47 % Fe, 40 % Mn, 65 % Pb, and 62 % Zn removal, leaving minimal residual magnetite in the soil. These high removal efficiencies were attributed to the nanoparticles' magnetic properties, adsorption capacity and ability to form aggregates with soil particles. Optimal conditions were 25 g kg⁻¹ of magnetite incubated for 45 days at field capacity and separated by the electromagnet. Higher doses (50 g kg⁻¹) offered minimal improvement at increased costs. The combined use of magnetite nanoparticles and in situ magnetic separation demonstrated a low-impact and cost-effective method for reducing metal(loid) concentrations to levels that facilitate subsequent soil remediation strategies.