Determinations in Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Green-Synthesized Nanocomposites: Advancing Sustainable Solutions for Lead-Contaminated Water

Flomo L Gbawoquiya* and Fredrick K Saah

Department of Environmental Science, Cuttington University, Liberia

*Corresponding author:Flomo L Gbawoquiya, Department of Environmental Science, Cuttington University, Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia

Submission: July 09, 2025;Published: August 11, 2025

DOI: 10.31031/DNN.2025.03.000566

ISSN: 2832-4439
Volume3 Issue 4

The persistent issue of heavy metal contamination-particularly from lead ions (Pb²⁺)-has emerged as a serious environmental and health concern. Lead pollution in aquatic systems is largely driven by industrial discharge and inadequate waste management, posing long-term risks due to its toxicity and non-degradable nature [1,2]. Traditional treatment strategies are often expensive, energy-intensive, or environmentally unfriendly. In this context, green nanotechnology is presenting a promising alternative. Our recent investigation focused on synthesizing Silver-Reduced Graphene Oxide (Ag-rGO) nanocomposites through an environmentally responsible route using chicken-derived biological waste. This approach addresses both pollutant removal and waste valorization, forming a model for sustainable innovation.

Due to their tendency to bioaccumulate and disrupt biological processes, lead ions are among the most dangerous heavy metal pollutants. Although a variety of removal technologies are available-including membrane separation and chemical precipitation-most are either economically impractical or cause secondary environmental concerns. Adsorption stands out as a practical solution due to its cost-effectiveness and simplicity. However, limitations in the performance of conventional adsorbents like activated carbon necessitate the development of more advanced materials. Here, nanocomposites produced via green synthesis offer a path forward, integrating environmental safety with superior adsorption efficiency.

The Ag-rGO nanomaterial developed in this study combines the unique functionalities of silver nanoparticles with the high surface area and reactive sites of reduced graphene oxide [3]. Analytical characterization, including FTIR, XRD, UV-vis spectroscopy, FESEM, and EDX, confirmed the successful fabrication and stability of the nanocomposite. Importantly, the synthesis relied on biogenic compounds-especially metallothioneinextracted from chicken waste, which served as both reducing and stabilizing agents for the silver nanoparticles. This highlights the feasibility of turning agro-industrial byproducts into value-added functional materials. Under optimized conditions (pH 5, 0.5g dosage, and 60-minute contact time), the nanocomposite achieved an excellent lead removal capacity of 60.6mg/g. The adsorption behaviour followed the Langmuir isotherm, suggesting monolayer adsorption, and the kinetics aligned with the pseudo-second-order model, indicating a chemisorption mechanism. Furthermore, thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic, with an increase in entropy, making the material a strong candidate for water purification applications.

The innovation presented here is not only in the nanocomposite itself but also in the sustainable method of its fabrication. Utilizing poultry waste reduces environmental burden and enhances circularity [4,5]. The metallothionein proteins, rich in cysteine residues, effectively stabilize nanoparticles while aiding in metal ion binding. This dual functionality-waste remediation and waste valorization-reflects the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches in environmental science. From a broader perspective, this study serves as an example of how green chemistry, material science, and biotechnology can converge to address global sustainability goals. It opens pathways for the development of similar materials from other waste sources and inspires innovation in resource-limited settings.

Despite these promising findings, several challenges must be addressed before wide-scale deployment. These include ensuring consistent material properties in large-scale synthesis, minimizing risks associated with nanoparticle leaching, and enhancing the reusability of the adsorbent. Moreover, the regulatory landscape around nanomaterials in water treatment remains underdeveloped, necessitating policy updates and cross-sectoral engagement. Future studies should focus on evaluating the nanocomposite’s performance in real wastewater systems and exploring its longterm environmental impact.

The green synthesis of Ag-rGO nanocomposites from chicken waste presents a novel and impactful solution to lead contamination in water. It demonstrates how waste materials can be transformed into powerful tools for environmental remediation. With further optimization and scale-up, such materials could play a vital role in addressing water quality issues across both developed and developing regions. As we move toward a more sustainable future, innovations that harmonize scientific rigor with ecological responsibility will be essential-and our study offers one such pathway.