Silver nanoparticle loaded silica adsorbent for wastewater treatment

Our aim was to prepare silver nanoparticle loaded silica adsorbent for the removal of pollutants and pathogens in wastewater. The pathogens were inactivated by silver nanoparticles loaded with silica by wet impregnation method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction studies confirmed the silver nanoparticle loaded on silica. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy showed 0.6mg/g silver nanoparticle in the prepared adsorbent. The prepared adsorbent has potential against Escherichia coli and was described through Chick, Chick-Watson and Homs inactivation kinetic models. Five-hundred (500) ppm concentration of the prepared adsorbent showed complete inhibition with the shouldering or lag curve of inactivation and the k' values of 0.019 min(-1). After treatment, tannery, dairy and canteen effluents showed significant COD reduction with maximum adsorption capacity of 145, 142 and 69mg/g visa versa. Regeneration of the spent adsorbent used alkali washing and reused up to three cycles.