Neolamarckia cadamba (cadamba) waste pulp as a natural and techno-economic scavenger for methylene blue from aqueous solutions

Abstract

In this work, Neolamarckia cadamba (cadamba), also known as bur flower tree has been exercised to demonstrate as an excellent methylene blue scavenger from simulated as well as industrial wastewater. The particle morphology and structural insights were gained from FESEM, BET surface area, FTIR, and pH_ZPC. The adsorption behavior was mapped by different physico-chemical parameters such as contact time, pH, input concentration, and temperature. Experimental data reveal rapid adsorption, and >90% uptake was successful within the first 15 min and reaches equilibrium by 45 min (removal efficiency = 94.15%) at neutral pH. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 115.60 mg/g. The uptake process follows pseudo-second-order kinetics (R² = 0.99), confirming a chemisorption process while the Langmuir model (R² = 0.99) satisfactorily addresses the adsorption path. Thermodynamic parameters suggest a spontaneous, feasible, and exothermic process with increased entropy. Spent adsorbent could easily be regenerated in up to 74% using 1:1 MeOH/H₂O with a potential of three-cycle use. Real-time efficacy has been established with an MB containing industrial effluent and up to 44.70% adsorption, which confirms the material’s practical applicability. Statistical reliability was confirmed by the relative standard deviation. Altogether, the present material offers clean and green removal of methylene blue dye from versatile wastewater.

NOVELTY STATEMENT

The search for cleaner and greener protocols for water treatment is on the rise. With this line, we have chosen non-edible fruit pulps of Neolamarckia cadamba for extraordinary methylene blue uptake from diverse contaminated water bodies. Compared to contemporary materials, the excellent adsorption capacity (115.60 mg/g) with methylene blue dye offers an edge. The material could be regenerated easily and reused for three cycles. The method doesn’t involve any chemical treatment, is greener, and could be applied on a large scale. Due to huge availability, excellent adsorption capacity, reusability, and simple preparation provide advantages to the material for sustainable water treatment.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Neolamarckia cadamba
• bur flower tree
• methylene blue

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

Data will be made available upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

P.P.S., M.A.Q., and SD thank the Central University of Jharkhand for the fellowship.