Examination of removal of some metal ions and dyes from aqueous solutions by Koelreuteria paniculata seed/nano cobalt ferrite composite

Due to the release of high amounts of metal ions and dyes into the environment without undergoing sufficient purification processes, water pollution has become one of the foremost environmental issues of our time. Heavy metals and dyes, which occupy a prominent place among the key factors causing environmental pollution, pose a significant threat to human health and ecosystems. Therefore, the use of innovative, economical, recyclable, and environmentally friendly methods is crucial for the removal of these hazardous pollutants. In this project, green synthesis of cobalt ferrite will be carried out using the leaf extract of Koelreuteria paniculata, a landscape tree commonly found in parks, gardens, and along roadsides, also known as the Pride of India or Goldenrain Tree, which contains various bioactive phytochemicals. Subsequently, a low-cost magnetic adsorbent with easy separability and reusability properties will be prepared by modifying Koelreuteria paniculata seeds with the obtained cobalt ferrite through the green synthesis method. The effectiveness of the resulting magnetic adsorbent in removing dyes and various metal ions from aqueous solutions will be investigated. To determine the optimum conditions for the removal of pollutants, parameters such as initial concentration of the pollutant, adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact time will be examined by varying one parameter at a time in each experiment. Additionally, the reusability of the magnetic adsorbent will be explored. In this project, the obtained magnetic adsorbent will be characterized through analyses such as SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD. The concentrations of dyes in the aqueous phase will be determined using UV Spectrophotometry, while the concentrations of metal ions will be determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectromet