Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Removal of elevated level of chromium in groundwater by the fabricated PANI/Fe3O4 nanocomposites

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this work, we report the reduction of chromium concentration in the polluted groundwater samples from Madurai Kamaraj University area, India, where the dissolved salts in groundwater are reported as serious health hazards for its inhabitants. The water samples have intolerable amounts of total dissolved solids (TDS) and chromium is a prominent pollutant among them. Chromium reduction was achieved by treating the polluted groundwater with PANI/Fe3O4 nanocomposites synthesized by in situ polymerization method. Further experimentation showed that the nanocomposites exhibit better chromium removal characteristics upon increasing the aniline concentration during the synthesis. We were able to reduce chromium concentration in the samples from 0.295 mg L−1 to a tolerable amount of 0.144 mg L−1. This work is expected to open doors for chromium-free groundwater in various regions of India, when improved to an industrial scale.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ando M, Swart C, Pringsheim E, Mirsky VM, Wolfbeis OS (2005) Optical ozone sensing properties of poly(2-chloroaniline), poly(N-methylaniline) and polyaniline films. Sensors Actuators B Chem 108:528–534

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ay AN, Zumreoglu-Karan B, Oner R, Unaleroglu C, Oner C (2003) Effects of neutral, cationic, and anionic chromium ascorbate complexes on isolated human mitochondrial and genomic DNA. J Biochem Mol Biol 36:403–408

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bajpai AK, Gupta R (2010) Synthesis and characterization of magnetite (Fe3O4) -polyvinyl alcohol-based nanocomposites and study of superparamagnetism. Polym Compos 31:245–255

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Basavaiah K, Pavan Kumar Y, Prasada Rao AV (2013) A facile one-pot synthesis of polyaniline/magnetite nanocomposites by micelles-assisted method. Appl Nanosci 3:409–415

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Becquer T, Quantin C, Sicot M, Boudot JP (2003) Chromium availability in ultramafic soils from New Caledonia. Sci Total Environ 301:251–261

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bhaumik M, Maity A, Srinivasu VV, Onyango MS (2011) Enhanced removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using polypyrrole/Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite. J Hazard Mater 190:381–390

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bohdziewicz J (2000) Removal of Cr ions (VI) from underground water in the hybrid complexation-ultrafiltration process. Desalination 129:227–235

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cervantes C, Campos-Garcia J, Devars S, Gutierrez-Corona F, Loza-Tavera H, Torres-Guzman JC, Moreno-Sanchez R (2001) Interactions of chromium with microorganisms and plants. FEMS Microbiol Rev 25:335–347

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chandana L, Lakshminarayana B, Subrahmanyam C (2015) Influence of hydrogen peroxide on the simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and methylene blue from aqueous medium under atmospheric pressure plasma jet. J Environ Chem Eng 3:2760–2767

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen S, Yue Q, Gao B (2010) Equilibrium and kinetic adsorption study of the adsorptive removal of Cr(VI) using modified wheat residue. J Colloid Interface Sci 349:256–264

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Comber MHI (1993) Environmental fate and effects of chromium (III) and (VI) investigated using electroanalytical chemistry. Dissertation, University of Plymouth

  • de Araújo ACV, de Oliveira RJ, Alves S Jr, Rodrigues AR, Machado FLA, Cabral FAO, de Azevedo WM (2010) Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of polyaniline-magnetite nanocomposites. Synth Met 160:685–690

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Flora S (2000) Threshold mechanisms and site specificity in chromium(VI) carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis 21:533–541

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dikshit VP (1989) Removal of chromium (VI) by adsorption using sawdust. Natl Acad Sci Lett 12:419–421

    Google Scholar 

  • Duffus JH (2002) “heavy metals”—a meaningless term? Pure Appl Chem. doi:10.1351/pac200274050793

    Google Scholar 

  • Fang X, Zhang G, Chen J, Wang D, Yang F (2012) Electrochemical reduction of hexavalent chromium on two step electrosynthesized one-dimensional polyaniline nanowire. Int J Electrochem Sci 7:11847–11858

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Farrell ST, Breslin CB (2004) Reduction of Cr(VI) at a polyaniline film: influence of film thickness and oxidation state. Environ Sci Technol 38:4671–4676

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gai L, Han X, Hou Y, Chen J, Jiang H, Chen X (2013) Surfactant-free synthesis of Fe3O4@PANI and Fe3O4@PPy microspheres as adsorbents for isolation of PCR-ready DNA. Dalton Trans 42:1820–1826

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gan N, Zhang J, Lin S, Long N, Li T, Cao Y (2014) A novel magnetic graphene oxide composite absorbent for removing trace residues of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in water. Materials 7:6028–6044

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gottipati R, Mishra S (2012) Application of response surface methodology for optimization of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) adsorption on commercial activated carbons. Res J Chem Sci 2:40–48

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gu H, Huang Y, Zhang X, Wang Q, Zhu J, Shao L, Haldolaarachchige N, Young DP, Wei S, Guo Z (2012a) Magnetoresistive polyaniline-magnetite nanocomposites with negative dielectrical properties. Polymer 53:801–809

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gu H, Rapole SB, Sharma J, Huang Y, Cao D, Colorado HA, Luo Z, Haldolaarachchige N, Young DP, Walters B, Wei S, Guo Z (2012b) Magnetic polyaniline nanocomposites toward toxic hexavalent chromium removal. RSC Adv 2:11007–11018

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guo X, Fei GT, Su H, De Zhang L (2011) High-performance and reproducible polyaniline nanowire/tubes for removal of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution. J Phys Chem C 115:1608–1613

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Han X, Gai L, Jiang H, Zhao L, Liu H, Zhang W (2013) Core–shell structured Fe3O4/PANI microspheres and their Cr(VI) ion removal properties. Synth Met 171:1–6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hatamzadeh M, Ahar MJ, Jaymand M (2012) In situ chemical oxidative graft polymerization of aniline from Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Int J Biomed Nanosci Nanotechnol 8:51–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Haq RU, Shakoori AR (1998) Microbiological treatment of industrial wastes containing toxic chromium involving successive use of bacteria, yeast and algae. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 14:583–585

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawley EL, Deeb RA, Kavanaugh MC, Jacobs JA (2004) Treatment technologies for chromium(VI) in: Guertin J, Jacobs JA, Avakian CP (ed) Chromium(VI) handbook. Fla, USA, CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp 273–308

    Google Scholar 

  • Ilankoon N (2014) Use of iron oxide magnetic nanosorbents for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous solutions: a review. Int J Eng Res Ind Appl 4:55–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaishankar M, Tseten T, Anbalagan N, Mathew BB, Beeregowda KN (2014) Toxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals. Interdiscip Toxicol 7:60–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim C, Zhou QH, Deng BL, Thornton EC, Xu HF (2001) Chromium(VI) reduction by hydrogen sulfide in aqueous media: stoichiometry and kinetics. Environ Sci Technol 35:2219–2225

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kodama RH, Berkowitz AE, McNiff EJ Jr, Foner S (1996) Surface spin disorder in NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles. Phys Rev Lett 77:394–397

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Korus I, Loska K (2009) Removal of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions by means of polyelectrolyte-enhanced ultrafiltration. Desalination 247:390–395

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kotas J, Stasicka Z (2000) Chromium occurrence in the environment and methods of its speciation. Environ Pollut 107:263–283

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koysuren O, Du CS, Pan N, Bayram G (2009) Preparation and comparison of two electrodes for supercapacitors: Pani/CNT/Ni and Pani/Alizarin-treated nickel. J Appl Polym Sci 113:1070–1081

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lakherwal D (2014) Adsorption of heavy metals: a review. Int J Environ Res Dev 4:41–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Li XL, Liu YF, Guo W, Chen JJ, He WX, Peng FF (2014) Synthesis of spherical PANI particles via chemical polymerization in ionic liquid for high-performance supercapacitors. Electrochim Acta 135:550–557

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maduraites must beware of tap water (2013) http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/maduraites-must-beware-of-tap-water/article5174333.ece Accessed September 27, 2013

  • Mahmoudi M, Simchi A, Imani M, Milani AS, Stroeve P (2008) Optimal design and characterization of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with polyvinyl alcohol for targeted delivery and imaging. J Phys Chem B 112:14470–14481

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morales MA, Jain TK, Labhasetwar V, Leslie-Pelecky DL (2005) Magnetic studies of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with oleic acid and Pluronic block copolymer. J Appl Phys 97:10Q903–10Q905

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mukhopadhyay B, Sundquist J, Schmitz RJ (2007) Removal of Cr(VI) from Cr-contaminated groundwater through electrochemical addition of Fe(II). J Environ Manag 82:66–76

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Neelgund GM, Oki A (2011) A facile method for synthesis of polyaniline nanospheres and effect of doping on their electrical conductivity. Polym Int 60:1291–1295

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Neyaz N, Siddiqui WA, Nair KK (2013) Application of surface functionalized iron oxide nanomaterials as a nanosorbents in extraction of toxic heavy metals from ground water: a review. Inter J of Environ Sci 4:472–483

    Google Scholar 

  • Olad A, Nabavi R (2007) Application of polyaniline for the reduction of toxic Cr(VI) in water. J Hazard Mater 147:845–851

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Panday KK, Prasad G, Singh VN (1984) Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions by adsorption on fly ash-wollastonite. J Chem Technol Biotechnol A 34:367–374

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park JH, Lee DW, Park KS (2014) Elevated serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in Alzheimer’s disease. Asia Pac Psychiatry 6:38–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park D, Yun YS, Park JM (2006) Mechanisms of the removal of hexavalent chromium by biomaterials or biomaterial-based activated carbons. J Hazard Mater 137:1254–1257

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Park D, Yun YS, Lee HW, Park JM (2008) Advanced kinetic model of the Cr(VI) removal by biomaterials at various pHs and temperatures. Bioresour Technol 99:1141–1147

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramesh Kumar A, Riyazuddin P (2012) Seasonal variation of redox species and redox potentials in shallow groundwater: a comparison of measured and calculated redox potentials. J Hydrol 444–445:187–198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li R, Liu L, Yang F (2013) A study on the reduction behaviors of Cr(VI) on Fe3O4/PANI. Procedia Environ Sci 18:522–527

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez FJ, Garcia de la Rosa LA, Alatorre A, Ibanez J, Godinez L, Gutierrez S, Herrasti P (2007) Analysis of the effect of polypyrrole synthesis conditions on its capacity to reduce hexavalent chromium. Prog Org Coat 60:297–302

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schnitzler DC, Meruvia MS, Mmelgen IAH, Zarbin AJG (2003) Preparation and characterization of novel hybrid materials formed from (Ti, Sn)O2 nanoparticles and polyaniline. Chem Mater 15:4658–4665

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shyaa AA, Hasan OA, Abbas AM (2015) Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline/zeolite nanocomposite for the removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution. J Saudi Chem Soc 19:101–107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silva VAJ, Andrade PL, Silva MPC, Bustamante DA, Valladares LDLS, Aguiar JA (2013) Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with fucan polysaccharides. J Magn Magn Mater 343:138–143

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh R, Gautam N, Mishra A, Gupta R (2011) Heavy metals and living systems: an overview. Indian J Pharmacol 43:246–253

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tchounwou PB, Yedjou CG, Patlolla AK, Sutton DJ (2012) Heavy metal toxicity and the environment. EXS 101:133–164. doi:10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_6

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaigai River turning into gutter (2016) http://tamil.thehindu.com/%20tamilnadu/article8696445.ece Accessed June 06, 2016

  • Wang H, Wang R, Wang L, Tian X (2011) Preparation of multi-core/single-shell OA-Fe3O4/PANI bifunctional nanoparticles via miniemulsion polymerization. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 384:624–629

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wei C, German S, Basak S, Rajeshwar K (1993) Reduction of hexavalent chromium in aqueous solutions by polypyrrole. J Electrochem Soc 140:L60–L62

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang CH, Du JJ, Peng Q, Qiao R, Chen W, Xu CL, Shuai ZG, Gao MY (2009) Polyaniline/Fe3O4 nanoparticle composite: synthesis and reaction mechanism. J Phys Chem B 113:5052–5058

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang JK, Lee SM, Siboni MS (2012) Effect of different types of organic compounds on the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). Environ Technol 33:2027–2032

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang G, Tang L, Cai Y, Zeng G, GuoP CG, Zhou Y, Tang J, Chen J, Xiong W (2014) Effective removal of Cr(VI) through adsorption and reduction by magnetic mesoporous carbon incorporated with polyaniline. RSC Adv 4:58362–58371

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Li Y, Li J, Sheng G, Zhang Y, Zheng X (2012) Enhanced Cr(VI) removal by using the mixture of pillared bentonite and zero-valent iron. Chem Eng J 185–186:243–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Wan M (2003) Nanostructures of polyaniline composites containing nano-magnet. Synth Met 132:205–212

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu YF, Ni QQ, Fu YQ, Natsuki T (2013) Synthesis and microwave absorption properties of electromagnetic functionalized Fe3O4-polyaniline hollow sphere nanocomposites produced by electrostatic self-assembly. J Nanopart Res 15:1988

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mr. Abhijith Geo Philip, Michigan Tech, Houghton who assisted in the proof-reading of the manuscript and in the design of graphical abstract. The corresponding author SJ gratefully acknowledges the Indo-US Raman Fellowship (06-01-04-SF1513) of University Grants Commission, New Delhi. We also thank the Government of India, DST-FIST for XRD facility.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Physics, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, India

    Aruna Ramachandran, T. Prasankumar, S. Sivaprakash, Biny R. Wiston & Sujin Jose

  2. Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX, 77005, USA

    Santhosh Biradar & Sujin Jose

Authors
  1. Aruna Ramachandran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. T. Prasankumar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. Sivaprakash
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Biny R. Wiston
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Santhosh Biradar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Sujin Jose
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sujin Jose.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Guilherme L. Dotto

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ramachandran, A., Prasankumar, T., Sivaprakash, S. et al. Removal of elevated level of chromium in groundwater by the fabricated PANI/Fe3O4 nanocomposites. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24, 7490–7498 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8465-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-8465-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation