Fabrication of economical thiol-tethered-bifunctional-iron composite as potential commercial applicant for arsenic sorption application

Herein, we report a simple and rapid route for the fabrication of a new bifunctionalized thiol-iron composite (TH-Fe) as an affordable biosorbent for the removal of As(III) and As(V) from aqueous systems. The proposed work has advantages in assessment to conventional chemicals as a new potential reductant-cum-surface modifier in nanochemistry that integrates an intrinsically capable high affinity group for exceptional arsenic-sorption potential. The as- prepared TH-Fe composite was characterized with well- dispersed surface functionalized iron particles of 8 nm via X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Characterization supported substantial intensification in arsenic sorption capability for the surface-functionalized iron composite. The synthesized bifunctional TH-Fe composite exhibited almost complete (>99% residual concentration <0.5 ppb) and quick removal of both arsenic species, via coordinate covalent bonds, within the recommended 10 ppb range of the World Health Organization. Also the TH-Fe composite was regenerated using 0.1 M NaOH solution, and was successfully reused for 15 cycles. Thus, the outcome of this work will help to develop a cost-effective technological solution of practical applicability based on a novel biosorbent for the removal of arsenic from arsenic contaminated water.