In this work we demonstrate the use of natural seed based hydrogel bits as robust,
recoverable and recyclable support for nanoparticulate catalytic media for multipurpose
water purification application. We show that the inexpensive and easily available natural
seeds sabja (Ocimum basilicum), which can absorb water to about 30 times their weight can
be easily loaded with nanoparticles of functional metal oxides such as visible light photo-
catalyst N-doped TiO2 or magnetite (Fe3O4) for effective multiple water purification …

All the samples containing heavy metal ions (As3+, Cr6+, Pb2+, Cd2+) were dissolved in an
acid mixture (HNO3 and HCl in 1: 3 ratio). 5 ml solutions of each heavy metal ion type were
dissolved in 10 ml of acid mixture to digest all the metal ions present in the solution. These
solutions were kept overnight to ensure complete digestion. They were then diluted to 100ml
with de-ionized water, then filtered and used for ICP analysis.