Synthesis of ZrO2 and its composite with activated carbon for lead adsorption and antibacterial applications

In this study, zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) nanoparticles and their composites with activated carbon (AC) were synthesized and further characterized via several instrumentation techniques in order to study their physical, chemical, and structural properties. The synthesized nanomaterials along with bare AC were utilized as adsorbents to remove Pb (II) ions present in aqueous solutions. Various parameters i.e., adsorbent dose, pH, and concentration of adsorbate were considered to examine the adsorption efficiency of ZrO₂, AC, and ZrO₂@AC with the help of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The ZrO₂@AC nanocomposite, with a surface area of 120.551 m²/g, offered a maximum absorption capacity of 179.53 mg/g for Pb (II) ions. Moreover, the adsorption isothermic variables were estimated to gain a comprehensive understanding of the adsorption mechanism of Pb (II) ions over ZrO₂@AC nanocomposite. Additionally, desorption study of Pb (II) ions is also conducted for reusability of the nanocomposite. For valuable application in actual water environment, the antibacterials activity of both ZrO₂ and ZrO_2@AC was also examined against different bacteria, e.g., Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella enterica (S. enterica), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii). This study confirms the potential of the ZrO₂@AC nanocomposite as a sustainable solution for removal of lead ions and microbes from water.