Synthesis and characterization of NiFe₂O₄-chitosan nanocomposite for remediation of water-contaminated with urea and real samples

Water contamination with urea is a significant environmental issue, while kidney failure. Absorbent nanomaterials have been developed as an emerging effective strategy for the purification and removal of urea. To address this, NiFe₂O₄ was prepared via co-precipitation, which was then coated and stabilized with chitosan. Various characterization techniques were employed to investigate the materials structural and morphological properties: FT-IR, SEM, TEM, DSC, TAG, confirming its composition, particle size, and surface characteristics. In addition, NiFe₂O₄/Cs showed the highest urea removal percentage (68%) at pH equal 5 and ambient temperatures. The effects of operating factors, such as initial concentration of contaminant and contact time were also investigated. The adsorption equilibrium data were in good agreement with the Langmuir model, while the adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second order. The Gibbs free energy change (ΔG), the enthalpy change (ΔH), and entropy change (ΔS) was calculated. The positive ΔH values indicate the endothermic nature of the urea adsorption process onto the NiFe 2 O 4 /Chitosan nanocomposite. The negative ΔG values confirmed the spontaneous of the adsorption process. Separately, the potential clinical application of the NiFe 2 O 4 /Chitosan nanocomposite (NiFe₂O₄/Cs)was evaluated by determining its effect on urea and creatinine levels in the samples from dialysis patients. Out of the two hundred samples analyzed, one hundred were obtained from healthy adults who served as the control group and one hundred from patients on dialysis. Creatinine and urea levels were measured for the control group (0.703 ± 0.1363, 31.8261 ± 3.5096), and for the dialysis group before the addition of NiFe₂O₄/Cs ( p < 0.0001); and also after the addition of NiFe₂O₄/Cs (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0002) respectively. Furthermore, creatinine 7.06 to 2.15 mg/dL and urea 91.53 to 52. 34 mg/dL concentrations were determined using a spectrophotometric method. The current study revealed that the NiFe₂O₄/Cs nanocomposite significantly reduced creatinine and urea levels in patients with renal disorders. For the first time, our results demonstrated a marked decrease in these biochemical markers among individuals undergoing dialysis following treatment with NiFe₂O₄/Cs.