Lead nanoadsorbent

Poly(aspartic acid) coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 – PASP) for the removal of lead present in wastewater.

Using Fe3O4 – PASP as an adsorbent, the high level of lead present in the wastewater of the Chillón River will be considerably reduced.

The poly(aspartic acid), a biodegradable polymer, will absorb lead present in wastewater. This is due to the carboxylate group present in this chelating agent (PASP). The polymer, being present on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles, will be separated from the aqueous phase by using a magnet.

The first step for the preparation of this adsorbent is the synthesis of the magnetite nanoparticles by the co-precipitation method. After that, the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles will be coated with poly (aspartic acid).

Thus, removal studies are carried out using lead nitrate. Finally, water from the Chillon river basins (Lima - Peru) will be collected for the removal of lead present in wastewater.

The Chillón River is located in the province of Lima. It is considered one of the most important basins in the region due to its application to obtain drinking water. However, people belonging to the "San Pedro de Carabayllo" district are affected by the high rates of contamination of said river.

In accordance with the environmental quality standards (ECA) of the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM - Peru), it was determined that the maximum permissible level of lead in Lima's waters is 0.05 mg L-1. Based on the above, investigations carried out by local universities revealed that the lead concentration values were 0.076 mg L-1. In this way, it is evident that the level of lead in the Chillón river exceeds the standard limit. Consequently, the importance of a proposed solution for the treatment of these polluted waters is justified.

People who live near the chillón river contract diseases. This is due to the accumulation of these pollutants in the body. Based on this, the removal of lead present in the waters of the Chillón river, using magnetite nanoparticles coated with poly (aspartic acid) will imply a decrease in the concentration of lead and also a risk of contracting diseases.

The risk of disease is due to the presence of high concentrations that are present in the Chillón River. The main affected are the people who live in the surroundings of the main basin of the Chillón river. According to the results obtained by the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, the level of contamination is 12 times more risky than other rivers in Lima.

Currently, the areas at greatest risk of lead contamination in the Chillón River have been identified. Based on the above, water samples from this river are available to be analyzed after preliminary laboratory tests.

This project is in the preliminary studies part. The results obtained correspond to laboratory analysis. In this case, lead nitrate was used for removal tests. The influence of concentration, volume of Pb (NO3)2  and contact time between Pb (NO3)2  and   Fe2O3  - PASP was studied.

To evaluate the yield obtained, the lead adsorption capacity was determined. In this way, the calculated value of this parameter was 14.04 mg g-1.

Other factors such as temperature and pH are currently being evaluated. Apart from the additional parameters to be studied, financing is expected to help the project carry out removal tests in the Chillón river basin.

This project is based on the application of nanoparticles for wastewater treatment.

Currently, there is a large amount of research regarding the use of nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Among them, the most outstanding corresponds to the nanoparticles of magnetite (Fe3O4).

That is why the innovative aspect of this project is the use of Fe3O4 - PASP for other applications. In this case, the project focuses on the treatment of water contaminated by lead.

The project is in phase 1, which corresponds to the preliminary laboratory results. It is expected that next year. the experimental application focuses on the treatment of water from the main basin of the Chillón River. Based on the above, the project estimates that around 4,000 people will benefit from said wastewater treatment.

In 2022, the project will focus on completing the following objectives:

Objective 1: Determination of the maximum adsorption capacity of lead:

Laboratory studies correspond to the evaluation of temperature, pH and amount of Fe3O4  - PASP. In this way, the definitive optimal conditions for lead removal will be determined.

Objective 2: Analysis of water from the Chillón River.

Aliquots will be taken from the main basin of the Chillon River. After that, the main components will be identified and their lead concentration will be determined.

Objective 3: Lead removal tests in water from the Chillón River

The conditions obtained from objective 1 will be used and the adsorption capacity of lead present in these wastewaters will be determined by using Fe3O4 - PASP.

Apart from my academic studies, I have been involved with extracurricular activities. In the previous year I was a member of a social care volunteer group called “CREA MAS”. I volunteered my services as a money collector from donations which was used for the aid of Peruvian children in conditions of extreme poverty. It was so great, because I have learned about the importance of having an idea and develop it in order to complete the goals.

I participated in a research project whose purpose was the application of quantum dots in medicine. My work as a research assistant was to develop the synthesis of CdTe quantum dots. This was a very fascinating experience because I learned the impact of these nanosensors for folic acid detection in cancer treatment.

The physical chemistry research group - Faculty of Sciences - Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (UNI) Peru