LAUSR

Abstract Magnetic ferrite nanoparticles with favorable adsorption performance were synthesized by precipitation reaction under ambient temperature, and were successfully applied for the removal of Cu(II) ion from copper-ammonia wastewater. The magnetic ferrite nanoparticles had a settling velocity of 10% and a saturation magnetization value of 83.20 emu/g, suggesting ease of separation under an external magnetic field. Several factors affecting the adsorption of Cu(II) ions, including pH, contact time, ferrite dosage and ammonia nitrogen were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacities reached up to 124.80 mg/g under the optimal condition. The presence of NH3-N in solution hindered Cu(II) ions adsorption. The adsorption of Cu(II) onto magnetic ferrite nanoparticles followed pseudo-second order kinetics and was well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm. This work provides an alternative way for the removal of heavy metal ions from NH3-H2O system.