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Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), especially iron oxide (Fe3O4), display distinctive superparamagnetic characteristics and elevated surface-area-to-volume ratios, facilitating improved physicochemical interactions with solutes and pollutants. These characteristics make MNPs strong contenders for use in water treatment applications. This research investigates the application of iron oxide MNPs synthesized via co-precipitation as innovative draw solutes in forward osmosis (FO) for treating synthetic produced water (SPW). The FO membrane underwent surface modification with sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), a zwitterionic polymer, to increase hydrophilicity, minimize fouling, and elevate water flux. The SBMA functional groups aid in electrostatic repulsion of organic and inorganic contaminants, simultaneously encouraging robust hydration layers that improve water permeability. This adjustment is vital for sustaining consistent flux performance while functioning with MNP-based draw solutions. Material analysis through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the MNPs’ thermal stability, consistent morphology, and modified surface chemistry. The FO experiments showed a distinct relationship between MNP concentration and osmotic efficiency. At an MNP dosage of 10 g/L, the peak real-time flux was observed at around 3.5–4.0 L/m2·h. After magnetic regeneration, 7.8 g of retrieved MNPs generated a steady flow of ~2.8 L/m2·h, whereas a subsequent regeneration (4.06 g) resulted in ~1.5 L/m2·h, demonstrating partial preservation of osmotic driving capability. Post-FO draw solutions, after filtration, exhibited total dissolved solids (TDS) measurements that varied from 2.5 mg/L (0 g/L MNP) to 227.1 mg/L (10 g/L MNP), further validating the effective dispersion and solute contribution of MNPs. The TDS of regenerated MNP solutions stayed similar to that of their fresh versions, indicating minimal loss of solute activity during the recycling process. The combined synergistic application of SBMA-modified FO membranes and regenerable MNP draw solutes showcases an effective and sustainable method for treating produced water, providing excellent water recovery, consistent operational stability, and opportunities for cyclic reuse. 

Ensuring clean water sources is pivotal for sustainable development and the well-being of communities worldwide. This study represents a pioneering effort in water purification, exploring an innovative approach utilizing modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels. These advanced materials promise to revolutionize environmental remediation efforts, specifically removing organic contaminants from aqueous solutions. The study investigates the exceptional adsorption properties of rGO-aerogel, enhanced with cysteamine, to understand its efficacy in addressing water pollution challenges. The characterization methods utilized encompass various analytical techniques, including FE-SEM, BET, FTIR, TGA, DSC, XPS, NMR, and elemental analysis. These analyses provide valuable insights into the material’s structural modifications and surface chemistry. The research comprehensively explores the intricacies of adsorption kinetics, equilibrium, and isothermal study to unravel the underlying mechanisms governing contaminant removal. MO and Ni2+ exhibited adsorption of 542.6 and 150.6 mg g−1, respectively, at 25 °C. Ni2+ has unveiled the highest removal at pH 5, and MO has shown high removal in a wide pH range (pH 4–7). Both contaminants have shown fast adsorption kinetic performance on an rGO-aerogel surface. This study aims to identify the synergistic effect of cysteamine and rGO in aerogel formation to remove heavy metals and organic contaminants. These findings mark a significant stride in advancing sustainable water-treatment methods and pioneering in synthesizing innovative materials with versatile applications in environmental contexts, offering a potential solution to the global water pollution crisis.