Exploring the efficiency of sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum) for decontamination of wastewater containing Congo red dye

Abstract

In present investigation, the adsorptive treatment of synthetically contaminated aqueous solution containing Congo red (CR) by using sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as a low-cost adsorbent was studied. Surface morphological and physio chemical nature of SCB was analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Adsorption studies were conducted in batch mode to investigate the effect of solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time, and temperature. Experimental data was evaluated by using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm model and it was best followed by Freundlich isotherm. Different kinetic models were also studied, and pseudo second order was concluded to be the best followed with $R^2$= 1 and $Q_{\mathrm{e}}\left(\mathrm{\text{cal}}\right)=0.935\mathrm{\text{mg}}\mathrm{ }{g}^{-1}$ which was very close to the experimental $Q_e\left(\mathrm{\text{exp}}\right)=9.976\mathrm{\text{mg}}/\mathrm{g}.$ ${\mathrm{R}}_{\mathrm{L}}$ value in current investigation is 1 which indicates that adsorption of SCB onto CR dye is favorable. The negative values of thermodynamic parameters ($\Delta G$ and $\Delta H$) revealed that adsorption of CR onto SCB was spontaneous and exothermic in nature, respectively. The adsorbent (SCB) also reflects excellent recyclability, 76% of the adsorbent was regenerated and available for further adsorption experiments. Applicability of developed procedure with tap water was also checked out and results revealed that 70% of CR dye had been adsorbed under optimum condition. It suggests that SCB possess a potential to be used as an effective, and low-cost adsorbent for adsorption of CR dye from industrial effluents.

Graphical abstract

HIGHLIGHTS

• Adsorptive removal by (low-cost adsorbent) sugarcane bagasse was investigated.

• Different operational parameters were studied (pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, dye concentration, and temperature).

• Different kinetic and isotherm models were also investigated.

• Desorption study revealed that 76% of adsorbent can be recycled.

Keywords:

• Adsorption
• sugarcane bagasse powder
• Congo red
• desorption

Author contributions

All Authors contribute equally to the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

Authors state no competing financial concerns to influence the work described in this research.

Data transparency

Authors will ensure data transparency.

Data availability statement

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this article and accompanying supplementary file.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for conducting this study.