Synthesis of magnetic alginate beads based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles for the removal of 3-methylindole from aqueous solution using Fenton process

•Synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) embedded with iron in alginate beads.•Removal of malodorous compound (3 methyl indole) from water.•Ease of isolation or recovery process due to their super paramagnetic proprieties.•Good structural stability.•Fenton process. A novel magnetic heterogeneous catalyst has been developed by incorporation of iron(II) and magnetic functionalized nanoparticles Fe3O4 in alginate beads with the aim of using them in the advanced Fenton oxidation of a malodorous compound (3 methyl-indole: 3-MI). The effects of significant operational parameters such as initial pH, oxidant concentration and catalyst amount were investigated and optimized for a better removal of 3-MI at initial concentration of 20mgL−1. Besides, the catalyst stability was evaluated according to the iron leached into the aqueous solution. Results revealed that the parameters affecting Fenton catalysis must be carefully chosen to avoid excessive iron release. Under optimized conditions, the magnetic catalyst exhibited a good catalytic performance. Total removal of 3 methyl indole and a remarkable organic mineralization, without significant leaching of iron, were attained within 120min at pH 3.0 by using 0.4gL−1 of Fe-MABs and 9.8mmolL−1 of H2O2. The novel magnetic catalyst would be of potential application due to its high efficiency, easy recovery and good structural stability.