Green Synthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles using Terminalia catappa Leaves for the Efficient Adsorption of Pyrethrin from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

This study explores the potential of magnesium oxide nanoparticles, synthesized from Indian almond leaves, for the adsorption of pyrethrin from aqueous solutions. The green synthesis approach leverages the natural phytochemicals in Indian almond leaves, making the process environmentally friendly and sustainable. The nanoparticles were carefully characterized to confirm their physical and chemical properties, ensuring their suitability as efficient adsorbents for pyrethrin. Adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate various parameters, including adsorption kinetics, equilibrium behavior, and the effect of pH and temperature on the removal efficiency. The results demonstrated rapid adsorption kinetics, with the adsorption process fitting well to the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating a monolayer adsorption on a surface with uniform adsorption sites. The maximum adsorption efficiency was observed at pH 6 (acidic), indicating that pyrethrin removal is most effective under near-neutral conditions. Additionally, the temperature dependency of the adsorption process revealed that it is endothermic, with adsorption capacity increasing as temperature rises, suggesting enhanced performance at higher temperatures. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent reusability, maintaining satisfactory performance across multiple regeneration cycles, which is a crucial factor for practical applications. A comparative analysis with other adsorbents highlighted the superior adsorption efficiency of magnesium oxide nanoparticles, reinforcing their potential as effective materials for water treatment. This study provides valuable insights into the sustainable use of magnesium oxide nanoparticles for the removal of pyrethrin from water, contributing to the development of eco-friendly water purification technologies.