Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

In the present study the nano zerovalent iron (NZVI) impregnated cashew nut shell (CNS) was fabricated onto a composite of NZVI-CNS as an adsorbent towards Pharmaceutical wastes (Cd(II)) removal from aqueous solution was investigated. The characteristics of NZVI-CNS were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy. The average diameter of NZVI was found to be 50 nm, and it was successfully impregnated with CNS. In addition the nano zerovalent iron was well dispersed on the Cashew nut shell matrix and aggregation was greatly reduced. Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD) were applied to optimize process parameters for the removal of cadmium metal using Nano zero-valent iron (NZVI) impregnated cashew nut shell (NZVI-CNS). Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD) design was used to optimize the effect of process variables on the removal of Cadmium metal. The NZVI-CNS prepared by simple liquid-phase reduction method, namely, borohydride reduction method. In order to maximize the dye removal the variables listed above was optimized using Design expert software 7.0 through ANOVA (analysis of variance) using the combination of response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD). The optimum condition for the enhanced effect was obtained at pH- 7, temperature - 20°C, Dose – 3g/L, time of reaction – 50 min, Cadmium ion concentration – 25 mg/L. The results showed that adsorption is highly dependent of pH and that it occurs by electrostatic interaction. Finally NZVI-CNS can be considered as an effective waste management system for heavy metals removal from aqueous solution.