Chitin-based magnetic composite for the removal of contaminating substances from aqueous media

A method of obtaining multipurpose magnetic chitin, which combines the magnetic properties of magnetite and the adsorption properties of polysaccharide, was proposed. The possibility of using chitin-(CT) and chitosan (CS)-containing magnetic composites for the adsorption of inorganic ions Co^II and Cr^VI and organic substances (2- and 4-nitrophenols) from aqueous media was analyzed. It was shown that the adsorption capacity of magnetic chitin with respect to Co^II and Cr^VI ions reached 41 mg g^?1 and 15 mg g^?1, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity for 4-nitrophenol (19 mg g^?1 per CT-containing magnetic composite or 56 mg g^?1 per chitin component) was about three times higher than for 2-nitrophenol. The obtained adsorbent Fe₃O₄/CT is environmentally friendly and reusable.