Removal of Lead from Wastewater by Iron–Benzenetricarboxylate Metal-Organic Frameworks

Iron–benzenetricarboxylate metal-organic frameworks were prepared chemically in the present study. For this purpose, using iron (II, III) chloride and trimesic acid, the nano metal-organic ramework was synthesized and then was identified and characterized by scanning tunneling electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrogram, ultraviolet, and N2 adsorption and desorption (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and Barrett- Joyner-Halenda) techniques. The structure, morphology, purity, and crystallinity of the metal-organic framework were also investigated. The framework was employed to remove lead from wastewater and the effect of different parameters, including absorbent concentration (0.2-0.5 mg/L), pH (3.5-12.5), temperature (10-75 °C), and lead concentration (10-150 mg/L), on lead removal was investigated. The maximum efficiency, as 100% lead removal, was obtained with 0.25 mg/L of BTC-Fe adsorbent at 50 °C and a pH of 3.4. Due to the features of the employed adsorbent, such as magnetic effects, reusability, large surface area, low cost, and high efficiency, it can be suggested as an ideal option for the removal of lead.