Harnessing Industrial Wastes from Biomass Power Plants for Clean Water: Efficient Arsenic Removal Using Carbonized Rice Hull and Functional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (CRH-F-ION)

Arsenic contamination in water is a significant global health issue, particularly in regions with high industrial activity or agricultural runoff. Traditional methods for arsenic removal, such as chemical precipitation and reverse osmosis, often come with high costs and environmental concerns. This study introduces a novel, low-cost, and eco-friendly solution for arsenic removal by utilizing carbonized rice hull (CRH), a waste by-product from biomass power plants, functionalized with iron oxide nanoparticles (F-ION). A green synthesis method was employed to produce iron oxide nanoparticles using guava leaf extract. The CRH-F-ION composite was tested in a filtration system for its efficiency in removing arsenic from contaminated water. Experimental results revealed a high removal efficiency, with CRH-F-ION achieving up to 99.4% arsenic removal, and the best-performing composite comprising a 50% CRH and 50% F-ION ratio. Water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were also analyzed before and after filtration. This study demonstrates the potential of using agricultural waste combined with nanotechnology to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for arsenic contamination in water.