Introduction of Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto winter melon-derived biochar for adsorbing U(VI) from aqueous solution

In this investigation, a novel Fe3O4-enhanced biochar derived from winter melon (Fe3O4@WBC) was synthesised by an innovative ethylene glycol reduction and thermal polymerisation approach for efficiently eliminating U(VI) from contaminated environments. The factors influencing uranium(VI) adsorption by Fe3O4@WBC, including pH, adsorbent dosage, time, temperature, and initial U(VI) concentration were explored. The material’s performance was characterised, and the underlying mechanism of U(VI) removal was analysed using various techniques. The results demonstrated that Fe3O4@WBC effectively removed U(VI), achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 199.84 mg g−1 at a pH of 5.0. These findings provided a theoretical basis for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with U(VI).