HEAVY METAL REMOVAL FROM INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS USING GREEN-SYNTHESIZED NANOMATERIALS

Abstract

Because of its toxicity and persistence, heavy metal contamination in industrial wastewater is a serious environmental problem. In order to effectively remove heavy metals from textile industry effluents, this study explores the environmentally friendly synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) using leaf extract from Syzygium cumini. The nanoparticles' crystalline structure and functional groups (such as hydroxyl and carbonyl) that are necessary for metal adsorption were confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD. High removal efficiencies were shown in batch experiments conducted under ideal conditions (pH 6.0, 25°C, 90 min): 92% for Pb²⁺, 88% for Cr⁶⁺, 84% for Cd²⁺, and 79% for Ni²⁺. While kinetic data followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism, adsorption isotherm studies corresponded with the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer binding. With the help of capping agents derived from plants, the nanomaterials revealed exceptional durability and reusability. This approach solves scalability issues in wastewater treatment and provides a reasonable, sustainable substitute for conventional methods. For evaluating long-term environmental effects and industrial applicability, more research is necessary. The results highlight the potential for sustainable heavy metal remediation using bio-synthesized nanomaterials.