Paper Titles
Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange under UV Irradiation Using Noble Metal-Loaded WO3/WS2
p.3
Correlation Analysis of Key Operational Parameters Affecting the Adsorption Performance of Bio-Based and Chitosan-Based Adsorbents for Copper Ion Adsorption
p.11
Parametric Studies, Kinetic and Isotherm Modeling of Methyl Orange Adsorption by Chitosan - MIL-101 (Fe) - Polyethyleneimine Beads
p.19
Mechanism of Carbon Dioxide Adsorption on Gallate-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks
p.27
Synthesis and Characterization of Gum Arabic–Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles for Heavy Metal Remediation
p.35
Heterojunction Engineered FeWO4/g-C3N4 Nanocomposite Photocatalyst for Methyl Orange Degradation
p.43
Preliminary Characterization of CaO and Al₂O₃ Catalysts for Biomass-Derived Bio-Oil Production
p.53
A Review of Hydroxyl Ammonium Nitrate (HAN) as an Alternative to Traditional Satellite Propellants
p.67
Hydrogen Storage Potentials: Present and Future Prospects
p.79

Synthesis and Characterization of Gum Arabic–Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles for Heavy Metal Remediation

Article Preview

Abstract:

This research presents the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) utilizing natural Gum Arabic (GA) resin as an environmentally reducing and stabilizing agent. The study addresses pressing water pollution concerns in Oman by developing a sustainable nanotechnology-based approach for the remediation of trace heavy metal ions (Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺) from aqueous environments. GA was employed at concentrations of 5% and 10% (w/v) in reactions with chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) under systematically varied conditions, including temperature (23.0–80.0 °C), pH (6.00–9.00), and reaction time (0.33–48.00 h). The synthesised AuNPs were characterised using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to assess their optical properties, morphology, and surface chemistry. Optimal synthesis conditions—10% GA, 5 mM HAuCl₄, 55.0 °C, pH 9.00, and 0.67 h—resulted in a stable ruby-red colloidal dispersion exhibiting a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 518 nm, indicative of monodisperse spherical AuNPs. FTIR analysis confirmed the involvement of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amine functional groups in nanoparticle formation and stabilization. The biosynthesis AuNPs demonstrated efficient removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions in the order of Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Zn²⁺.These findings highlight the potential of Gum Arabic as a green, cost-effective, and biocompatible material for fabricating functional AuNPs suitable for environmental sensing and water purification applications.

You might also be interested in these eBooks
Adsorptive and Photocatalytic Materials, Green and Advanced Engineering Technologies View Preview

Info:

Periodical:

Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1045)

Pages:

35-42

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Lkg4On

Citation:

Cite this paper

Online since:

March 2026

Authors:

Tahiya Al Shuaili, Fatma Al Hatmi*, Yathrib Ajaj, Abrar Al Abri

Keywords:

Aqueous Nanomaterials, Environmental Nanotechnology, Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs), Green Synthesis, Gum Arabic, Heavy Metals Remediation, Water Purification

Export:

RIS, BibTeX

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Request Permissions

Permissions PLS:

Request Permissions

Сopyright:

© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

References

[1] Salek Maghsoudi, A., Hassani, S., Mirnia, K., & Abdollahi, M. (2021). Recent advances in nanotechnology-based biosensors development for detection of arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 803-832.

DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s294417

Google Scholar

[2] Chatterjee, A., & Abraham, J. (2022). Heavy metal remediation through nanoparticles. In Bioremediation (pp.235-247). CRC Press.

DOI: 10.1201/9781003181224-15

Google Scholar

[3] Vaid, K., Dhiman, J., Sarawagi, N., & Kumar, V. (2020). Experimental and computational study on the selective interaction of functionalized gold nanoparticles with metal ions: sensing prospects. Langmuir, 36(41), 12319-12326.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c02280

Google Scholar

[4] Singh, H., Bamrah, A., Bhardwaj, S. K., Deep, A., Khatri, M., Brown, R. J., ... & Kim, K. H. (2021). Recent advances in the application of noble metal nanoparticles in colorimetric sensors for lead ions. Environmental Science: Nano, 8(4), 863-889.

DOI: 10.1039/d0en00963f

Google Scholar

[5] Fatima, Z., Saleem, R., Khan, R. R. M., Liaqat, M., Pervaiz, M., Saeed, Z., ... & Rasheed, S. (2024). Green synthesis, properties, and biomedical potential of gold nanoparticles: a comprehensive review. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 59, 103271.

DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103271

Google Scholar

[6] Malik, S., Saharan, Y., & Singh, J. (2023). Synthesis, characterization and application of gold nanoparticles using plant extracts: An ecofriendly green approach. Energy and Environment Focus, 7(3), 237–248.

DOI: 10.1166/eef.2023.1299

Google Scholar

[7] Wu, C. C., & Chen, D. H. (2010). Facile green synthesis of gold nanoparticles with gum arabic as a stabilizing agent and reducing agent. Gold Bulletin, 43(4), 234-240.

DOI: 10.1007/bf03214993

Google Scholar

[8] Iranpour, P., Ajamian, M., Safavi, A., Iranpoor, N., Abbaspour, A., & Javanmardi, S. (2018). Synthesis of highly stable and biocompatible gold nanoparticles for use as a new X-ray contrast agent. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 29(5), 48.

DOI: 10.1007/s10856-018-6053-5

Google Scholar

[9] Shalaby, T. I., El-Dine, R. S. S., & El-Gaber, S. A. A. (2015). Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using cumin seeds and gum arabic: studying their photothermal efficiency. Nanosci. Nanotechnol, 5, 89-96.

Google Scholar

[10] Eskandari-Nojehdehi, M., Jafarizadeh-Malmiri, H., & Jafarizad, A. (2018). Microwave accelerated green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using gum Arabic and their physico-chemical properties assessments. Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, 232(3), 325-343.

DOI: 10.1515/zpch-2017-1001

Google Scholar

[11] Thangadurai, D. T., Manjubaashini, N., & Nataraj, D. (2022). Surface‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for Environmental Remediation. Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation, 163-182.

DOI: 10.1002/9783527834143.ch10

Google Scholar

[12] Lahari, S. A., Amreen, K., Dubey, S. K., Ponnalagu, R. N., & Goel, S. (2023). Optimized porous carbon-fibre microelectrode for multiplexed, highly reproducible and repeatable detection of heavy metals in real water samples. Environmental Research, 220, 115192.

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115192

Google Scholar

[13] Mzwd, E., Ahmed, N. M., Suradi, N., Alsaee, S. K., Altowyan, A. S., Almessiere, M. A., & Omar, A. F. (2022). Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles in Gum Arabic using pulsed laser ablation for CT imaging. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 10549.

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14339-y

Google Scholar

[14] Djajadisastra, J., Sutriyo, P. P., & Pujiyanto, A. N. U. N. G. (2014). Antioxidant activity of gold nanoparticles using gum arabic as a stabilizing agent. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, 6(7), 462-465.

Google Scholar

[15] Madhusudhan, A., Reddy, G. B., & Krishana, I. M. (2019). Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles by using natural gums. In Nanomaterials and plant potential (pp.111-134). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-05569-1_4

Google Scholar

[16] Jafarizad, A., Safaee, K., & Ekinci, D. (2017). Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of Ziziphus Jujuba and gum arabic. Journal of Cluster Science, 28(5), 2765-2777.

DOI: 10.1007/s10876-017-1258-1

Google Scholar

[17] Al Azwani, M. A., Al Busafi, S., & El-Shafey, E. S. I. (2025). Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide-based cation, chelating, and anion exchangers for salt removal. Heliyon, 11(3).

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42070

Google Scholar

[18] Muntean, S. G., Halip, L., Nistor, M. A., & Păcurariu, C. (2023). Removal of metal ions via adsorption using carbon magnetic nanocomposites: optimization through response surface methodology, kinetic and thermodynamic studies. Magnetochemistry, 9(7), 163.

DOI: 10.3390/magnetochemistry9070163

Google Scholar

[19] Tahoon, M. A., Siddeeg, S. M., Salem Alsaiari, N., Mnif, W., & Ben Rebah, F. (2020). Effective heavy metals removal from water using nanomaterials: A review. Processes, 8(6), 645. Smith, D. M., Hamwi, B., & Rogers, R. E. (2022). Carbon nanomaterial-based aerogels for improved removal of copper (II), zinc (II), and lead (II) ions from water. Environmental Science: Advances, 1(2), 208-215.

DOI: 10.3390/pr8060645

Google Scholar

[20] Ali, I., Kuznetsova, T. S., Burakov, A. E., Burakova, I. V., Pasko, T. V., Dyachkova, T. P., ... & Alharbi, A. (2022). Polyaniline modified CNTs and graphene nanocomposite for removal of lead and zinc metal ions: kinetics, thermodynamics and desorption studies. Molecules, 27(17), 5623.

DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175623

Google Scholar

[21] Smith, D. M., Hamwi, B., & Rogers, R. E. (2022). Carbon nanomaterial-based aerogels for improved removal of copper (II), zinc (II), and lead (II) ions from water. Environmental Science: Advances, 1(2), 208-215.

DOI: 10.32469/10355/94005

Google Scholar

[22] Gilani, E., Shafqat, A., Mahmood, R., Bukhari, A., & Feroz, M. (2024). Selective Removal of Zinc, Cadmium, and Lead from Industrial Effluents using Bimetallic Nanoparticles Synthesized via Green Route. Scientific Inquiry and Review, 8(4), 36-49.

DOI: 10.32350/sir.84.02

Google Scholar

[23] Pearson, R. G. (1963). Hard and soft acids and bases. Journal of the American Chemical society, 85(22), 3533-3539.

DOI: 10.1021/ja00905a001

Google Scholar