Introduction

Heavy metal contamination in drinking water is a significant environmental and health concern. Traditional water purification methods such as chemical treatment and filtration are often ineffective or expensive. Nanotechnology provides an innovative and efficient solution by using nanoparticles to adsorb and neutralize heavy metal contaminants like lead and mercury. This project focuses on developing a nanotechnology-based filtration system to remove lead and mercury from water, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for clean drinking water.

Statement of Problem

Lead and mercury contamination in water sources can cause severe health issues, including neurological disorders, kidney damage, and developmental problems in children. Conventional purification methods are often costly, inefficient, or inaccessible to rural communities. This project aims to develop a low-cost and efficient method using nanotechnology to remove these toxic metals from drinking water.

Abstract

This project explores the use of nanomaterials such as graphene oxide, activated carbon nanofibers, and iron oxide nanoparticles in removing lead and mercury from drinking water. The experiment involves preparing contaminated water samples, passing them through a nano-enhanced filtration system, and analyzing the results using spectrophotometry. The study evaluates the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility of this purification method, contributing to improved water safety and environmental sustainability.

Objectives

• To develop an effective nanotechnology-based filtration system for removing lead and mercury from water.
• To assess the efficiency of different nanomaterials in adsorbing heavy metals.
• To compare the performance of nanotechnology with conventional filtration methods.
• To promote environmental sustainability through advanced water purification techniques.

Apparatus

• Graphene oxide nanoparticles
• Activated carbon nanofibers
• Iron oxide nanoparticles
• Contaminated water samples with lead and mercury
• Water filtration setup (glass column, filter paper, and beakers)
• Spectrophotometer for heavy metal analysis
• pH meter
• Magnetic stirrer

Procedure

1. Collection and Preparation – Prepare water samples with known concentrations of lead and mercury.
2. Nanoparticle Preparation – Select and prepare nanomaterials for filtration.
3. Filtration Process – Pass contaminated water through the nanomaterial-enhanced filtration system.
4. Heavy Metal Analysis – Use a spectrophotometer to measure the concentration of lead and mercury before and after filtration.
5. Data Collection – Record purification efficiency, flow rate, and filtration time.
6. Comparison – Compare results with conventional filtration methods.

Data Collected

• Initial and final concentrations of lead and mercury in water samples
• Filtration efficiency of each nanomaterial
• Flow rate and filtration time
• Cost and feasibility analysis
• Comparison with conventional filtration methods

Observations

• Nanotechnology-based filtration significantly reduces heavy metal concentrations in water.
• Graphene oxide showed the highest efficiency in removing both lead and mercury.
• Iron oxide nanoparticles performed well, particularly in mercury removal.
• Conventional filters were less effective in comparison to nanomaterials.
• Proper control of nanoparticle concentration enhances filtration efficiency.

Conclusion

This project successfully demonstrates the effectiveness of nanotechnology in purifying water contaminated with lead and mercury. Among the tested nanomaterials, graphene oxide exhibited the highest adsorption efficiency, making it a promising solution for heavy metal removal. This approach provides a cost-effective and sustainable method for ensuring clean drinking water, especially in areas affected by industrial pollution.

Recommendation

• Improve temperature regulation during nanoparticle preparation to enhance adsorption efficiency.
• Test additional nanomaterials to expand the range of effective filtration agents.
• Implement automation to optimize water treatment systems for large-scale use.
• Collaborate with water treatment facilities and policymakers to promote adoption of nanotechnology in water purification.
• Conduct further research on the long-term environmental impact of nanomaterials used in water filtration.