Comparative Analysis of Green and Chemical Synthesis Approaches for Lead Ion Detection Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

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ABSTRACT

Lead (Pb²⁺) contamination poses a significant threat to human health and the environment due to its high toxicity, bioaccumulation, and persistence. The development of efficient and selective sensing mechanisms for Pb²⁺ detection is, therefore, crucial for environmental monitoring and industrial applications. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) were synthesized using both green and chemical methods and employed as fluorescence-based sensors for the selective detection of Pb²⁺ ions in an aqueous medium. The green synthesis method utilized plant-derived extracts, resulting in FePE-NPs, while the chemically synthesized nanoparticles were designated as FeCH-NPs. Comparative analysis demonstrated that FePE-NPs exhibited superior performance, with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 19.57 nM, compared to 29.43 nM for FeCH-NPs. The FePE-NPs also exhibited greater selectivity for Pb²⁺ over competing metal ions due to their enhanced surface functionality and biocompatibility. Characterization techniques, including UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, DLS, and FE-SEM, confirmed the successful synthesis and stability of the nanoparticles. Additionally, real water sample testing revealed high recovery rates (94–98% for FePE-NPs and 90–97% for FeCH-NPs), further validating their potential for practical applications. The study highlights the advantages of green synthesis, which not only enhances the sensing efficiency but also promotes sustainable and eco-friendly nanoparticle fabrication. The findings suggest that FePE-NPs serve as an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly sensor for detecting trace levels of lead ions in contaminated water sources, paving the way for future advancements in green nanotechnology for environmental remediation.

Significance of the study:

This study underscores the promising potential of iron oxide nanoparticles as an efficient fluorescence-based sensor for Pb²⁺ ion detection. It demonstrates the remarkable capability of NPs for the sensing of a major environmental pollutant making them a viable alternative to traditional water treatment methods. The practical utility of developed sensor towards different real water samples plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable approach towards wastewater management.

Summary of the study:

This research involves the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles via two different approaches (green and chemical) with better characteristics. The prepared NPs acquired high specificity and sensitivity towards toxic Pb²⁺ ion detection. FePE-NPs exhibited more efficiency with lower LOD value as compared to FeCH-NPs. Also, high recovery efficiency (94-98%) of NPs in real water samples reinforced its potential application in environmental remediation. This study encourages young researchers towards formation of various NPs using green method to contribute towards safeguarding the environment.