Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles via co‐precipitation: Application and assessment in anaerobic digested wastewater

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a widely applied technology in environmental remediation, medicine, chemical processes and catalysis. The Development and modification of nanoparticles for wastewater treatment via anaerobic digestion have gained much interest over the years. This study synthesized six different magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via the co‐precipitation method. These MNPs were characterized via scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The SEM/EDX, FTIR and XRD affirmed the success of the synthesis of MNPs. The MNPs were furthermore explored to enhance the anaerobic digestion of wastewater to generate biogas. This was done by conducting a biochemical methane potential (BMP) assay, where seven bioreactors were digested for 21 and 30 days at 35°C. In comparison with the control (no MNPs), which had a removal efficiency of <68%, the results showed that the addition of MNPs to the BMP system demonstrated good degradation of >70% chemical oxyggen demand (COD) and turbidity removal efficiencies. There was a 20% increase in methane yield for the BMP setups with MNP additives compared with the control bioreactor.