Exploring efficient photocatalytic degradation of humic acid from aqueous solution with plant-based ZnFe2O4@TiO2 magnetic nanocomposite using <i>Elaeagnus angustifolia</i> tree bark methanolic extract

Abstract In the process of sanitizing drinking water, humic acid present in water sources reacts with chlorine disinfectant and forms mutagenic, defective, carcinogenic disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes haloacetic acids. study, methanolic extract Elaeagnus angustifolia tree bark was used for synthesis ZnFe2O4@TiO2 nanocomposite then properties structural elements diagnostic features nanoparticles were analyzed. According to results, nanocomposites have an average crystalline size ∼65–250 nm. Also, effects pH (3–11), nanoparticle dose (0.005–0.1 g/L), concentration (2–15 mg/L) examined up 120 min time. From highest removal percentages achieved about 100% at optimal conditions (pH = 3, 0.05 g/L initial 2 mg/L). The results this research showed that efficiency investigated (15 95.67%. Therefore, it can be concluded nanocomposite, while being cost-effective environmentally friendly, is also very effective removing from aqueous solution.