Magnetically Retrievable Nanoparticles with Tailored Surface Ligands for Investigating the Interaction and Removal of Water-Soluble PFASs in Natural Water Matrices

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial applications and have become persistent environmental contaminants due to their chemical stability. Water-soluble PFASs with fewer than ten carbon atoms, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are particularly concerning because of their high solubility in water, environmental mobility, and resistance to degradation. In this work, we present an eco-friendly Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based platform for the detection and removal of PFOA from water. The synthesized iron oxide MNPs exhibit rapid and strong magnetic responsiveness, enabling efficient magnetic separation for both PFOA detection and removal. To optimize surface affinity for PFOA, we functionalized the MNPs with distinctive ligands, including polyethylene glycol (PEG), β-cyclodextrin (βCD), and dopamine (DA). Among these, PEG and DA showed notable binding affinity toward PFOA, as confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and colorimetric assays. After incubation with the functionalized MNPs followed by magnetic retrieval, we achieved over 90% PFOA removal efficiencies, demonstrating the potential for future research in PFAS remediation technologies. Importantly, the system was validated using deionized, tap, and lake water, all of which yielded comparable and promising results. This study provides a promising, eco-friendly, and recyclable nanomaterial platform for investigating the crucial role of surface chemistry in nanoparticle–PFAS interactions through ligand-mediated magnetic separation.