Investigating the sorption behavior of selenite on commercial partially oxidized magnetite nanopowder under aerobic conditions: Characterization and mechanisms

•Chemisorption dominates selenite adsorption onto magnetite nanopowder.•Sorption efficiency varies with pH, with the highest capacity observed at pH 3.•XPS analysis confirms no reduction or oxidation of adsorbed selenite.•Among competing ions, only phosphate influenced the sorption process significantly. Selenium, which belongs to essential elements, has a narrow margin between necessity and toxicity. Anthropogenic activities may lead to its elevated concentrations in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in the undesirable form of toxic selenite, due to its high environmental mobility. Hence, it is imperative to devise effective technologies to limit its potential migration through the environment. Therefore, the development and evaluation of new adsorbents for its effective removal from selenium-contaminated waters are crucial for both human health and environmental stability in affected areas. Specifically, magnetite-based nanomaterials showed promise as sorbents due to their capacity to immobile contaminants through reductive transformation or adsorption, but there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the sorption mechanisms and the factors influencing the efficiency of this process. A deeper understanding of these factors is crucial for developing sustainable and efficient water treatment strategies. This study focuses on magnetite nanopowder’s sorptive properties, examining critical factors such as pH, ionic strength, and competing anions that affect selenite removal. Sorption kinetics revealed an initial rapid selenite removal followed by a slower, time-dependent phase, suggesting a complex sorption mechanism. Chemisorption was considered the primary sorptive interaction, with diffusion playing a minor role, and was best described by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Notably, pH significantly affected sorption efficiency and the suggested sorptive mechanism. Acidic conditions favored selenite removal due to formation of inner-sphere complexes, while alkaline conditions reduced efficiency due to repulsive interactions. Equilibrium sorption data were best fitted by the Langmuir model, with maximum sorption at pH 3, indicating that acidic conditions favor selenite removal. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis ruled out the formation of reduced selenium compounds on the magnetite nanopowder surfaces. Additionally, Mössbauer spectrometry revealed that the nanopowder is not homogeneous and contains both magnetite and maghemite pha