Using Chestnut and Watermelon Peels to Clean Eosin Yellow Dye from Water

Jenn Hoskins
22nd July, 2024

Using Chestnut and Watermelon Peels to Clean Eosin Yellow Dye from Water

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The University of the Punjab studied using agro-waste materials to remove Eosin yellow dye (EYD) from wastewater
  • Citric acid treated chestnut and watermelon peels showed high efficiency in removing EYD, with sorption capacities of 222 mg/g and 667 mg/g, respectively
  • This eco-friendly method offers a cost-effective solution for dye pollution, promoting waste recycling and resource optimization
The environmental and health impacts of industrial pollutants, particularly dyes, are a growing concern. These pollutants can cause severe damage to ecosystems and human health, as highlighted by previous studies[2][3]. The University of the Punjab has recently conducted a study investigating the use of agro-waste materials for the removal of Eosin yellow dye (EYD) from wastewater, presenting a promising solution to this problem[1]. The study focused on the adsorption efficiency of two types of agro-waste: Trapa natans (Chestnut) and Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) peels. These materials were tested in their native forms (TNAT and CLAN) and in citric acid impregnated forms (C-TNAT and C-CLAN). The goal was to determine their effectiveness in removing EYD, a toxic and potentially carcinogenic dye, from wastewater. To understand the performance of these adsorbents, the researchers optimized various operational parameters and investigated isothermal, kinetic, and thermodynamic models. The results showed that the citric acid treated adsorbents (C-TNAT and C-CLAN) had maximum sorption capabilities of 222 mg/g and 667 mg/g, respectively. This indicates a high efficiency in removing EYD, with R2 values close to one, supporting the applicability of Langmuir, Temkin, and pseudo-second-order models. The study also revealed that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous, as indicated by Gibbs free energy values. The adsorption of dyes from wastewater is crucial due to their harmful effects on aquatic life and human health. Traditional methods often fall short in completely degrading these dyes and can generate large amounts of waste[3]. The use of agro-waste materials for adsorption offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative. The citric acid impregnation enhances the adsorption capacity of these materials, making them more effective in decontaminating wastewater. Previous studies have highlighted the detrimental effects of various pollutants, including dyes, on human health and the environment[2][4]. The current study builds on this knowledge by providing a practical solution for dye removal using readily available and inexpensive materials. The use of agro-waste not only addresses the issue of dye pollution but also promotes waste recycling and resource optimization, aligning with the principles of a circular economy[5]. The findings of this study are particularly relevant for developing countries, where industrial pollution and resource scarcity are pressing issues. By employing green and sustainable approaches, such as the use of citric acid treated agro-waste, these regions can effectively tackle pollution while also addressing socio-economic challenges. In conclusion, the study conducted by the University of the Punjab demonstrates the potential of using citric acid treated Trapa natans and Citrullus lanatus peels for the removal of Eosin yellow dye from wastewater. This approach offers an efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to a significant environmental problem, paving the way for future applications in wastewater treatment and pollution control.

EnvironmentSustainabilityPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Exploring feasibility of citric acid infused lignocellulosic waste derived from chestnut and water melon peels for phytofiltration of Eosin yellow dye from water.

Published 20th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133878

Related Studies

2) Environmental pollution, a hidden culprit for health issues.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eehl.2022.04.003

3) Photocatalytic Dye Degradation from Textile Wastewater: A Review.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c00887

4) Transgenerational effects of extracts containing Microcystin-LR exposure on reproductive toxicity and offspring growth inhibition in a model organism zebrafish.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106860

5) Challenges for Circular Economy under the EU 2020/741 Wastewater Reuse Regulation.

https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202200232


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