Researchers in India have developed a new iron-carbon nanocomposite that removes lead and cadmium from contaminated water. The material, called CMMO, achieves removal efficiencies of 88% for lead and 75% for cadmium at near-neutral pH. It is made from a single-source precursor in a one-pot synthesis, making it cheaper and easier to produce than conventional adsorbents. The composite works by chemisorption, binding heavy metal ions strongly so they do not leach back. It retains about 85% efficiency after five regeneration cycles, making it reusable. Tests on real industrial effluents show it remains effective even with competing ions and organic matter. This could offer a practical, low-cost solution for treating industrial wastewater and contaminated groundwater.
