Production-Level Mitigation of Mn(VII) via a Novel Quaternary Hybrid Nanocomposite: Structural Elucidation, Experimental Optimization, and Advanced Ionic Simulation

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate a novel quaternary hybrid nanocomposite (QHNC) that can successfully remove Mn(VII) ions from contaminated water. The nanocomposite was analyzed using FTIR, XRD, BET, TGA/DTG and FESEM/EDX techniques to investigate whether the synthesis led to an outcome with optimal properties that will enable it to effectively remove Mn ions from aqueous solutions. Optimal results have been achieved by conducting the analysis at a pH level of 2, using 25 mg of the adsorbent material, an interaction time of 60 min and a concentration of 500 mg/L. The Freundlich isotherm best described the adsorption equilibrium. Further analysis through advanced computational simulations indicated that a sorption process underpins the phenomenon based upon a complex geometry mechanism with a preferential horizontal to inclined orientation of the adsorbate upon the surface. The techno-economic assessment reveals the biosorbent’s viability—with a production cost that is highly competitive at USD 9.95/kg, yet with a stable removal efficiency of nearly 60% over five cycles. Such factors lead to a treatment cost of around USD 7.3 for 1 m3 of 500 mg/L Mn(VII)—confirming both the economic viability and scalability for advanced tertiary wastewater remediation applications.