As a result of previous gold mining operations metal(loids) have been mobilized and transported by sources of water. Due to their size, natural reactivity, and high surface area iron oxyhdroxide nanoparticles have the ability to anchor metal(loids). Their natural presence in metal contaminated waters, combined with their ability to remove heavy metals from solution, makes them a probable strategy for remediation. Iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles were synthesized in the laboratory for use in repeatable adsorption and desorption trials to compare the particles' metal retention following aggregation under different environmentally relevant conditions.  A copper ion selective electrode was used to measure the amount of free copper in solution in real time, allowing for determination of the rates of adsorption and desorption and overall percent uptake. The amount of copper retained, following the desorption step, should be indicative of the nanoaparticle's remediation proficiency in environmentally relevant conditions.

Adsorption/desorption rates of metal ions associated with iron oyhydroxide nanoparticle aggregates

245th National Meeting (2013)

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