SYNTHESIS OF GRAPHEME-HYDROXYAPATITE NANOCOMPOSITE FOR THE REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM WASTEWATERS

Abstract

Eggshell waste disposal contributes to environmental pollution challenges associated with disposal of eggshells include cost, availability of disposal sites, odor However, they can be processed into saleable products like fertilizers, used in artwork, human and animal nutrition and building materials, for health and for water treatment. Another environmental problem which effects all living organisms is the contamination of water with heavy metal that emerge from various industry such as electroplating, metal finishing, metallurgy and chemical manufacturing such as (Cr, Ni, Co, Cd, Pb) which make water unsuitable for use in various purposes. The composition of the egg shell is approximately 98.2, 0.9, 0.9% Calcium carbonate, Magnesium and Phosphorous (phosphate) respectively. The content of calcium carbonate in eggshell makes a possibility to convert and recycling eggshell to another material such as hydroxyapatite powder (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HA) which play an important role in heavy metal removal from waste water. Although the composition of eggshell is suitable for removal of various industrial application, however, the surface area and the functionality are very low that limit its wide application. In recent years, GO was introduced as a novel and non-toxic adsorbent/catalyst that opened a new window in removal of various pollutants owing to the high surface area and electron transport capabilities, unprecedented pliability and impermeability, strong mechanical strength and excellent thermal and electrical conductivities.