Removal of thiocyanate by magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified by chitosan-Fe (III) complex from aqueous solution

Industrial wastewater containing thiocyanate causes increased pollution in rivers and seas. In this research, magnetic nano particles modified by chitosan-Fe (III) used as an efficient adsorbent for removal of thiocyanate from aqueous solutions. Removal percentage of  thiocyanate  by  modified magnetic nanoparticels is more than magnetic non- modified nano particles. The effects of different parameters such as pH , amount of adsorbent, time of stirring and temperature on the removal of thiocyanate has been investigated . Maximum removal percentage (96.7%) were obtained at pH= 4 , 0.03g of adsorbent  in 10 min. The results showed that maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent is 88 mgg-1. Kinetics isotherms and thermodynamic parameters were studied. The experimental data were correlated reasonably well by Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Kinetic data were well fitted by a pseudo-second  order model.Ethanol :aceton solution was applied to regenerate the adsorbent.The results showed that adsorbent  could  retain its high efficiency after several times of desorption and regeneration. This method is simple, cheap and it could efficiently remove thiocyanate from aqueous solutions .