Development of a new low-cost adsorbent functionalized with iron nanoparticles for removal of metformin from contaminated water

An adsorbent was developed from the residues of Moringa oleifera Lam. seed husks functionalized with iron nanoparticles for subsequent application to the removal of metformin from contaminated water. The material, MOM-Fe3O4, was characterized using TEM, SEM imaging, and EDX analysis, which revealed that iron nanoparticles were retained in the pores. The application of MOM-Fe3O4 to waste water resulted in a 93.9% reduction in the metformin content, demonstrating the efficacy of the material. Kinetic and equilibrium data were fitted to the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir models, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters indicated an exothermic and reversible process. A high adsorption capacity, 65.01 mg g−1 at 298 K, demonstrated the potential of using the new material as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of pharmaceuticals such as metformin. •This is the first time moringa seed husks are functionalized with nanoparticles.•The biosorbent produced was efficient for removal of metformin.•Maximum adsorption capacity was 65.01 mg g−1 at 298 K.