Green nanomaterial-based adsorbent for Cs and Pb removal: Synthesis from industrial waste producing high-value products

The search for a sustainable society makes necessary the reuse of residues contributing to the producing high-value product. Producing new materials with high-added value increases technological development and builds up new applications. The present study aimed to use residue from the alumina industry and coal ash generated in thermal plants in energy production to synthesize zeolite for wastewater treatment to remove Cs and Pb. Two types of nanomaterials were synthesized: zeolite 4A (ZEA) and zeolite sodalite (ZSD). The Cs adsorption efficiency achieved 73% and 9.4% for ZEA and ZSD, respectively, fitting better for Lineweaver-Burk isotherm and both zeolites removed 100% of Pb from synthetic solutions. Results here reported may be used to design novel wastewater treatment systems from nuclear plants and other industrial processes. The present study can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 9, 11, and 12. Cs removal achieved 73% for ZEA fitting better for Lineweaver-Burk isothermNanozeolites were obtained from alumina industry residueNanomaterials were capable to remove elements present in nuclear wastewaterRemoval of Pb achieved 100% by both zeolites Cs removal achieved 73% for ZEA fitting better for Lineweaver-Burk isotherm Nanozeolites were obtained from alumina industry residue Nanomaterials were capable to remove elements present in nuclear wastewater Removal of Pb achieved 100% by both zeolites