Removal of dyes from water using Citrullus lanatus seed powder in continuous and discontinuous systems

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a low-cost biosorbent using residual seeds of the Citrullus lanatus fruit for the removal of cationic dyes. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, adsorbent mass, contact time, and temperature were evaluated for their effects on dye removal. The biosorbent is composed of lignin and cellulose, exhibiting a highly heterogeneous surface with randomly distributed cavities and bulges. The adsorption of both dyes was most effective at natural pH with a dosage of 0.8 g L⁻¹. Equilibrium was reached within 120 min, regardless of concentration, indicating rapid kinetics. The Elovich model and pseudo-second-order kinetics were observed for crystal violet and basic fuchsin dye, respectively. The Langmuir model fitted well with the equilibrium data of both dyes. However, the increased temperature had a negative impact on dye adsorption. The biosorbent also demonstrated satisfactory performance (R = 43%) against a synthetic mixture of dyes and inorganic salts, with a small mass transfer zone. The adsorption capacities for crystal violet and basic fuchsin dye were 48.13 mg g⁻¹ and 44.26 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Thermodynamic studies confirmed an exothermic nature of adsorption. Overall, this low-cost biosorbent showed potential for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions.

NOVELTY OF STATEMENT

In this work, a novel biosorbent was developed using residual Citrullus lanatus fruit seeds that can efficiently remove cationic dyes from aqueous solutions. The biosorbent’s composition includes lignin and cellulose, and its surface structure is highly heterogeneous, consisting of randomly distributed cavities and bulges. The biosorbent demonstrated a rapid and efficient adsorption capacity for both crystal violet and basic fuchsin, regardless of dye concentration. Moreover, the biosorbent was successfully employed in the treatment of a synthetic mixture containing several dyes and inorganic salts. Finally, the application of the biosorbent in continuous adsorption showed a low zone of mass transfer and high breakthrough time, indicating it to be an excellent material for fixed-bed operation. Overall, this study provides a low-cost and efficient alternative for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions, with promising practical applications.

Highlights

• Citrullus lanatus seed powder was produced and characterized.

• Crystal Violet (CV) and Basic Fuchsin (BF) contaminants were successfully removed by the powder.

• Low mass-transfer zone length and good adsorption capacities were obtained in a continuous system.

• A good performance was observed against a synthetic mixture.

Keywords:

• Adsorption
• basic fuchsin
• crystal violet
• watermelon seed powder

Acknowledgments

The authors thank to National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/Brazil), and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES/Brazil). Graphical abstract was made using BioRender®.