Bentonite-Supported Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron for Efficient Removal of Naproxen from Aqueous Systems
Supervisor Name
saleh sulaiman
Supervisor Email
ssuliaman@birzeit.edu
University
birzeit university
Research field
Environmental Science
Bio
Dr. Saleh M. Sulaiman is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Birzeit University with nearly two decades of academic, research, and professional experience. His expertise spans environmental chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis, and advanced water and wastewater treatment technologies. He has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses and was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award (2024/2025) in recognition of his outstanding instructional performance and student impact. Dr. Sulaiman has an extensive publication record in high-impact international journals and has presented his research at major scientific conferences across Europe and the Middle East. His work focuses on the removal and degradation of pharmaceutical contaminants and emerging pollutants using advanced analytical and treatment technologies. In addition to supervising numerous Master’s students and serving as an academic examiner, he has contributed significantly to curriculum development, accreditation processes, and institutional service. His prior industrial experience in pharmaceutical quality control further strengthens his ability to integrate academic research with practical, industry-oriented applications.
Description
The widespread presence of pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic environments poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Among these contaminants, naproxen is frequently detected in water bodies due to its extensive consumption and incomplete removal by conventional wastewater treatment processes. Traditional treatment technologies are often ineffective in eliminating such emerging pollutants. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles have demonstrated considerable potential for contaminant removal; however, their tendency to aggregate in aqueous systems reduces their reactivity and limits practical application. Additionally, concerns remain regarding their environmental stability and potential toxicity. This study aims to synthesize bentonite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (B-nZVI) via a wet chemical reduction method using sodium borohydride to reduce ferric chloride in the presence of bentonite clay as a stabilizing support. The synthesized materials will be characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The adsorption performance toward naproxen will be systematically evaluated using bentonite clay, oxidized B-nZVI, and non-oxidized B-nZVI. Key operational parameters influencing the adsorption process, including pH, temperature, and adsorbent dosage, will be investigated. Batch experiments will be conducted at varying initial naproxen concentrations to determine adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic parameters, thereby elucidating the underlying adsorption mechanisms.
