ABSTRACT
This study explores the efficient removal of the synthetic anionic dye-reactive red Me4BL (RRMe4BL) from an aqueous medium which is a significant contributor to environmental pollution. The present study investigates the synthesis of zinc oxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide and copper oxide nano adsorbents (ZnO (II), NiO (II), CoO (II), CuO (II)) through the co-precipitation method and their effectiveness in eliminating the reactive red dye Me4BL(RRMe4BL). Maximum adsorption capacities were achieved at pH 2 for ZnO (96.1 mg/g), NiO (86.9 mg/g), CoO (93.4 mg/g) and at pH 6 for CuO (76.3 mg/g) under a 0.05 g/50 mL nano-adsorbent dose, 50 mg/L dye initial concentration and 25°C T and 90 min of contact time. The fitness of the pseudo-2nd-order model explained the kinetics, while Langmuir and Temkin adsorption isotherm highlighted the efficiency of the dye adsorption. Thermodynamic studies revealed the spontaneous and exothermic nature of adsorption. The influence of electrolytes, surfactants and desorption was also analysed. Characterisation of the nanoparticles was done through SEM, XRD and FTIR which revealed the morphology and functional groups of nano-adsorbents. The adsorption method used for eliminating this anionic red dye shows several benefits, including affordability, simplicity of use and the presence of intelligent adsorbents for environment-friendly removal of industrial dyes from wastewater.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP2024R349), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Consent for publication
All authors have read and approved this manuscript.
Author Contribution Statement
Fatima Zaheer: Methodology, Conceptualisation, Writing- original draft, Saima Noreen: Supervision, Conceptualisation, Writing- Reviewing and Editing, Ruba Munir: Writing- Reviewing and Editing, Investigation, Conceptualisation, Amna Muneer: Formal analysis, Data curation, Writing-review & editing, Maryam Sana: Visualisation, Writing-review& editing, Mohammad Abul Farah: Investigation, Writing-review & editing, Mohamed Farouk Elsadek: Investigation, Writing-review & editing, Fazila Younas: Writing-review & editing, Muhammad Fahad Sardar: Writing-review & editing
Data availability
Data will be made available on reasonable request.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Fatima Zaheer
Fatima Zaheer has been working on the synthesis of nanomaterials for wastewater treatment.
Ruba Munir
Ruba Munir is a passionate researcher with a strong background in environmental science and chemistry, specialising in the areas of adsorption, photocatalysis, constructed wetlands and green chemistry. Her work revolves around addressing critical environmental challenges and finding sustainable solutions. With research experience, she has contributed to the advancement of knowledge in these domains and continues to explore innovative approaches to environmental conservation and sustainable chemistry.
Fazila Younas
Fazila Younas currently works at the department of environmental engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth, USA. Fazila is researching in the characterisation of organic and inorganic materials. She has done work on the remediation of wastewater using constructed wetlands.
Muhammad Fahad Sardar
Muhammad Fahad Sardar has extensive research experience on the dynamic patterns of antibiotic resistance genes, antibiotics and microplastic pollution.
Mohammad Abul Farah
Dr. Mohammad Abul Farah serves as assistant professor in the department of Zoology at King Saud University, Riyadh. He is involved in research on natural products and biosynthesized nanoparticles for anticancer drugs and environmental research.
Mohamed Farouk Elsadek
Mohamed Farouk Elsadek is currently engaged in the synthesis of nanomaterials tailored for environmental applications, particularly focusing on their potential in environmental remediation and sensing.
Amna Muneer
Amna Muneer is a dedicated researcher with a solid background in material science, focusing on the synthesis, fabrication and characterisation of nanomaterials. Her expertise extends to areas such as adsorption and photocatalysis. At present, her research interests are primarily centred around nanomaterials, showcasing her steadfast commitment to exploring the latest advancements in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
Maryam Sana
Maryam Sana has been working on the synthesis of nanomaterials for wastewater treatment.
Saima Noreen
Saima Noreen is a physical chemist conducting research in various fields of physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, material chemistry and green chemistry. She leverages technology in water treatment processes to improve water quality, to contribute to sustainable access to clean water and sanitation (Sustainable Development Goal 6).