Using selective sequential extraction techniques to evaluate tendency of soil fractions in Cd removal by Fe3O4 nanoparticles in continuous flow system

Use of nanotechnology has proven to be a promising approach toward remediation of all phases of environment. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of different parameters on using iron III oxide nanoparticles in a continuous flow configuration for the removal of Cd^2+ ions from contaminated soils. Also selective sequential extraction tests are carried out to evaluate the nanoparticle tendency to remove cadmium from different fractions of soils. In order to achieve this goal, a specific flow rate of a nanoparticle solution was passed through a soil sample in a column with 3 cm diameter and 4 cm height. Up to 100% of cadmium removal was achieved by providing a nano-fluid concentration of 500 ppm, pH of 6.5, treatment duration of 24 hours, and flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Evaluation of the results obtained showed that the tendency of the iron oxide nanoparticles to remove cadmium from different fractions of contaminated soil was in the order of exchangeable carbonates oxides and hydroxides organic matter residual. The results obtained from this work can be used to develop an appropriate remediation protocol for contaminated soils.