Green Nanotechnology: Efficacy of Iron Nanoparticles in the Remediation of Soils Contaminated with Lead

Soil contamination by heavy metals, particularly lead (Pb), represents a critical environmental challenge that affects the quality of soils and agricultural ecosystems worldwide. This problem, caused mainly by human activities such as mining, the metallurgical industry, and inadequate waste management, has led to the accumulation of lead in the soil, reaching toxic levels that threaten human health and biodiversity. In response to this problem, nanotechnology has emerged as an innovative solution, highlighting the use of iron nanoparticles. The objective of the research was to evaluate the adsorption of Pb from soil (contaminated at a concentration of 10 mg/kg) using Fe nanoparticles obtained through green chemistry, analyzing the influence of pH (3, 4, and 6) and temperature (15, 30, and 45 °C) on the process. Fe nanoparticles were used according to a 3k factorial design. In this research, a 99.8% adsorption rate of Pb was achieved at a pH of 4 and temperatures between 15 and 45°C. Finally, it is established that the use of iron nanoparticles, obtained through green chemistry, is an alternative for the remediation of lead-contaminated soils, as it is an efficient, rapid, and environmentally friendly solution, representing a significant advance in the remediation of contaminated soils. Furthermore, nanoparticles have the advantage of being easily integrated with other bioremediation techniques.