UM NOVO PROCESSO QUE COMBINA NANOTECNOLOGIA MAGNÉTICA PARA TRATAMENTO DE ÁGUA VIA DESSALINIZAÇÃO DE NA+ PARA AUMENTAR A EFICIÊNCIA DA IRRIGAÇÃO NA AGRICULTURA

Description

1 / 11 A NEW PROCESS THAT COMBINES MAGNETIC NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR WATER TREATMENT VIA NA+ DESALINATION TO INCREASE IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY IN AGRICULTURE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The process of removing a significant amount of salt from groundwater or seawater, known as desalination, is a crucial undertaking that benefits humans and promotes the growth of the Earth's green cover.

[0002] The increasing concentration of sodium ions in our daily drinking water is considered a primary challenge currently faced by agriculture in developing countries.

[0003] Currently, none of the procedures used to remove sodium ions from water, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ion Exchange, Electrodialysis (ED), Distillation, Capacitive Deionization (CDI), Zeolite Filtration and Lime Softening, have proven to be highly effective long-lasting tools.

[0004] High concentrations of sodium ions in drinking water or agricultural foods have been shown to be associated with many disorders, such as cardiovascular, renal, and juvenile hypertension.

[0005] The application of Magnetic Nanoparticle technology in water purification has the potential to provide cleaner water with greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. However, it is essential to continue conducting research to Petition 870250084234, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 5 / 21 2 / 11 ensure safety and assess the environmental impact of the use of nanomaterials.

[0006] A matrix of water-insoluble Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles is considered a sustainable and environmentally friendly material, promising to capture Na+ and then be removed for regeneration using a simple magnet.

[0007] When developing any water purification technique, three main parameters must be taken into consideration: environmental, economic, and technical aspects.

[0008] The present invention relates to a new process applied in the field of agriculture developed based on the combination of: Magnetic Nanotechnology for water treatment to increase irrigation efficiency. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In the Mediterranean basin, climate change in 30 years will lead to a temperature increase of 2°C to 4°C, which would reduce rainfall by up to 30%. This will increase the establishment of water limits. In addition, water demand is expected to double or even triple. Furthermore, its use is unbalanced across various sectors (Industry, Tourism, Agriculture...) and at different scales (The agricultural sector is considered the largest consumer of water, at 70% to 80%).

[0010] This situation contributes to the degradation of irrigation water (essentially scarcity and high salt concentrations) which is exacerbated by the overexploitation of natural resources, mismanagement and pollution. Petition 870250084234, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 6 / 21 3 / 11 These factors will limit agricultural development and affect crop yields, which increases food prices and food security challenges.

[0011] In order to overcome the problems of contaminated water and scaling, researchers have been proposing various techniques for water treatment, such as desalination, filtration, electrodialysis...

[0012] Desalination treatment requires high energy consumption and high technical skill for monitoring and membrane replacement. In addition, the high costs of the energy used cause excessive costs and additional burdens for farmers, investors and governments.

[0013] The classic filtration process is based on commercial membranes and also presents a method of weak technical efficiency for water treatment. This is due to the membrane's poor ability to capture small sizes of minerals and salts on scales of about tens of nanometers.

[0014] To overcome such disadvantages, recent techniques have been developed, such as magnetic and nanotechnological treatments. The incorporation of magnetic fields in agriculture is considered a potential solution to reduce the salinity problems of irrigation water. The optimization of influencing agronomic factors combined with the use of magnetic fields offers different advantages, such as increased crop productivity, water productivity, and cost reduction. Petition 870250084234, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 7 / 21 4 / 11

[0015] Improved water management has been achieved thanks to environmentally friendly magnetic devices, at competitive costs and without energy requirements [1,2]. Thus, magnetized water used for irrigation has improved the efficiency of irrigation systems and crop production [3-8].

[0016] Indeed, magnetic treatment of irrigation water improves root growth, increasing the availability of nutrients in the soil and leading to better nutrient assimilation and therefore an increase in fertilizer efficiency [9]. This treatment will preserve water supplies for the future, given the planned global water scarcity. On the other hand, nanomaterials are the engines of the nanotechnology revolution and are introduced to solve the problem of water quality through effective and inexpensive treatment techniques. The percentage of treatment (loads) can reach up to 85% specific elimination.

[0017] The invention includes some Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (mainly improving water management, quality and increasing agricultural production, SDG1 ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture, SDG2 going beyond drinking water, sanitation and hygiene to also address the quality and sustainability of water resources...). In this context, a new process applied in the field of agriculture will be developed based on the combination: Magnetic Nanotechnology Treatments. Petition 870250084234, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 8 / 21 5 / 11 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] This new device is intended for farmers who suffer from problems with excessive salinity in the water.

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention solve many of the problems and / or overcome many of the drawbacks and disadvantages of the art by providing an improved device that combines magnetic nanotechnology for water treatment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings are intended to enhance understanding of the novel nanotechnology and magnetic process developed for water treatment, specifically designed to improve irrigation and agricultural efficiency. These illustrations represent various embodiments of the invention and are accompanied by detailed explanations elucidating the underlying principles of this approach.

[0021] Figure 1 shows an improved scheme for a new combined magnetic nanotechnology process for water treatment to improve irrigation and agricultural efficiency. 1: Well water 2: Water pump 3: Water pumped into air 4: Mechanical stirrer & 11: Sodium sensor 6: Air compressor Petition 870250084234, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 9 / 21 6 / 11 7: Magnetite Nanoparticle Filter FeaCç 8: Magnetic field for water treatment 9: Magnetic iron capture tube 10: Iron sensor 12: Computerized control system (telephone)

[0022] Figure 1: New process that combines magnetic nanotechnology for water treatment to increase irrigation and agricultural efficiency.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of 20 nm FeaCç magnetite nanoparticles used in the device column to remove sodium, according to one embodiment. Figure 2: TEM images of FeaCç magnetite nanoparticles, 20 nm.

[0024] Figure 3 EDX of magnetite nanoparticles FeaCç, only singles connected to O and Fe were found, ensuring matrix cleanliness. Figure 3. EDX analysis of FeaO4 nanoparticles.

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates the thermal stability of the Fe3O4 nanoparticle matrix, where it is very stable, with less than 4% lost at 800 °C. The modest decrease in mass may be due to moisture adsorbed onto the material's surface. However, the material matrix remained highly stable and did not undergo any color change, even when exposed to high temperatures. Petition 870250084234, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 10 / 21 7 / 11, which indicates its strong thermal and chemical stability. Figure 4 shows the TG result of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the heating range of 0 to 800°C.

[0026] Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrate that the device consists of a column containing Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles as a magnetic component (part 1) and magnetic water treatment (part 2), according to one embodiment. Figure 5: Magnetite nanoparticles Fe3O4 (part 1) and magnetic water for water treatment (part 2) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention introduces improved systems and techniques for the production of Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles. The method described herein serves as an illustrative example, showing its application.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates an improved method for the preparation of Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles (part 1) using the co-precipitation method according to a previously reported procedure

[10] . An aqueous solution of 180 ml containing 11.2 mmoles of Fe3+ and 5.6 mmoles of Fe2+ was heated to 50 °C. Then, 12.5 ml of ammonia were added with vigorous stirring. The reaction mixture was then heated and held at 90 °C for 30 minutes under shielding gas N2. Once the reaction was complete, the resulting black precipitate was collected using an external magnetic field, washed with water and ethanol, and dried under vacuum.

[0029] The microstructures of Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles were examined by Petition 870250084234, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 11 / 21 8 / 11 transmission electron microscopy (TEM) JEOL, JEM-1400 (Peabody, MA, USA), as shown in Figure 2. The images reveal that the nanoparticles exhibit a clustered spherical shape with a particle size of approximately 20 nm.

[0030] The state of the art is relatively rich, except that existing methods are traditional and do not consider sodium reduction, resulting in a degradation of irrigation water quality due to very high sodium levels. Existing magnetic devices in water can only reduce calcite levels.

[0031] The column containing the Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles for this invention is responsible for removing sodium (part 1) at 3 mg / l, as shown in Figure 3.

[0032] The column containing the Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles is powered by batteries (12V) that can be charged in the same way as other batteries. The device is installed before the magnetic field of water treatment Figure 1.

[0033] The amount of ferrite nanoparticle synthesis contained in the column

[004] is renewable. The mechanical part consists of a cylindrical stainless steel mechanical structure characterized by its diameter.

[0034] The mechanical part of the magnetic water treatment consists of a cylindrical stainless steel mechanical structure characterized by its diameter. Petition 870250084234, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 12 / 21 9 / 11

[0035] The sodium ion content in agricultural or drinking water should not exceed 20 mg / l. In the practical implementation of the innovation, a filter composed of 5 g of Fe3O4 nanoparticles successfully eliminated more than 99% of sodium ions in tests, demonstrating exceptional capacity. During a practical experiment, 100 liters of groundwater containing 281 mg / l of sodium ions were passed through a filter containing 5 g of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The eluent obtained had a concentration of only 3 mg / l, which is within the acceptable range for drinking and agricultural water. Even after pumping more than 2,500 liters of the same water through the same filter, sodium levels rose slightly but remained below the permitted limit of 20 mg / l. The filter used to treat the water remained in excellent condition throughout this process. It is worth noting that the filter can be recycled and sodium ions can be removed by simply washing it with HCl. REFERENCES [1] Tlili H, Elaoud A, Asses N, HorchaniNaifer K, Ferhi M, Goya GF, Fuentes-Garcia JA (2023). Reduction of Oxidizable Pollutants in Waste Water from the Wadi El Bey River Basin Using Magnetic Nanoparticles as Removal Agents. Magnetochemistry, 9, 157. [2] Ben Amor H, Anis Elaoud H. Ben Hassen, N. Ben Salah (2020). Characteristic study of some parameters of soil irrigated by magnetized waters. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13(19), 1007 Petição 870250084234, de 18 / 09 / 2025, pág. 13 / 21 10 / 11 [3] Hozayn M, Elaoud A, Olfa Cheikh, Amany Attia Abd El-Monem e Nahla Ben Salah (2021). Effect of magnetic field on growth and yield of barley treated with different salinity levels. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 14(701) [4] Hassen HB, Hozayn M, Elaoud A, El-monem AA. (2020). Inference of Magnetized Water Impact on SaltStressed Wheat. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 45(6), 4517-4529. [5] El Omari MH, Sene S, Zim J, El Malahi S, Ennami M, Taimourya H (2022). Effect of Magnetic Treatment of Irrigation Water on Greenhouse Tomato Crop under Salinity Conditions. Environmental Sciences Proceedings, 16(1), 31. [6] Sarraf M, Taimourya H, Santos LO, Menegatti RD, Jain M, Liu, S (2020). Magnetic field (MF) applications in plants: An overview. Plants, 9(9), 1139. [7] Taimourya H, Oussible M, Baamal L, El Hassane B, Najem H, Masmoudi L e El Harif A (2018). Magnetically treated irrigation water improves the production and the fruit quality of strawberry plants (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) in the northwest of Morocco. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, B(8),145. [8] Ben Amor H, Elaoud A, Ben Hassen H, Ben Salah N, Masmoudi A, & Elmoueddeb K (2020). Characteristic study of some parameters of soil irrigated by magnetized waters. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13, 1. [9] Abdelraouf RE, El-Shawadfy MA, Dewedar OM, e Hozayn M (2021). Field and modelling study for Petição 870250084234, de 18 / 09 / 2025, pág. 14 / 21 11 / 11 déficitirrigation strategy on roots volume and water productivity of wheat. Journal of Water and Land Development, 49 (IV-VI), 129.

[10] Yang C, Wang G, Lu Z, Sun J, Zhuang J, Yang W (2005). Effect of ultrasonic treatment on dispersibility of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and synthesis of multicore Fe3O4 / SiO2 core / shell nanoparticles. J. Mater. Chem, 15, 4252. Petição 870250084234, de 18 / 09 / 2025, pág. 15 / 21

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIMS 1. Device combining magnetic nanotechnology for water treatment characterized by being cylindrical in shape, operating with 12 V batteries and manufactured from stainless steel.

2. Device that combines magnetic nanotechnology for water treatment, characterized by operating with an onboard brain responsible for saturating the nanoparticle column with sodium.

3. Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by the sodium concentration in the irrigation water being approximately 3 mg / l, which is lower than the standard.

4. Device characterized by being ideal, sustainable, environmentally friendly and economical; - the chemical components are frequently recyclable and all its sections can be interconnected for mobile control, eliminating the need for a computer. Petition 870250084234, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 16 / 21

Images