Insights into the removal of endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous solution using Fc-rGO/nZVI nanocomposite system

The most prevalent phenolic compound discovered in the environment is bisphenol A (BPA). It is a common endocrine disruptor and the chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate and synthetic resins. In the current research, a nanocomposite composed of a 3D framework of reduced graphene oxide and nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) is developed by the sol-gel technique. Through a green synthesis procedure that uses an in-situ reduction technique with Punica granatum rind extract, the Fc-rGO is embedded with nZVI. The Fc-rGO/nZVI nanocomposite was tested for the removal of BPA and achieved 94.40 +/- 1.3% removal efficiency in 180 min. The pseudo-first-order kinetic adsorption model showed the best fit with an R-2 value of 0.99. Additionally, the impact of different dissolved substances, including electrolytes and organic matter found naturally in water systems, on the removal efficiency of Fc-rGO/nZVI was investigated. The inhibition effects of dissolved electrolytes followed the order of CO32-> NO3-> Na+. The residual toxicity test of treated BPA using A. cepa as the model organism showed increased cell viability. This research reveals that the nanocomposite developed is simple to fabricate, highly stable with minimal toxic side effects, effective in the removal of BPA, and reusable. The nanocomposite is appropriate for practical use in water systems given that it is economical and environmentally friendly.