Exploring the promising potential of fallen bamboo leaves (Bambusa bambos) for efficient removal of crystal violet from wastewater

Fallen bamboo leaves (Bambusa bambos), hereinafter BL have been designed to be transformed into an efficient and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of crystal violet (CV) dye from wastewater with up to 95% scavenging ability. BL have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and zero point charge (pHzpc). The maximum adsorption capacity is 30 mg/g at pH 10. Physico-chemical parameters have been investigated concerning pH, contact time, initial concentration, and coexistent ions. Pseudo-second-order kinetics is followed best (R-2 =0.999) signifying a chemisorption pathway. Besides, intra-particle diffusion plays a governing role in the film diffusion of crystal violet into the core of the adsorbent. Langmuir isotherm model fits best (R-2=0.972) suggesting a uniform, monolayer, and homogeneous adsorption. Regeneration was successful with methanol (65%) and reusability was tested for three cycles and was found to retain activity up to 80%. Analysis of CV containing industrial effluent suggests that a 36.8% reduction is possible with BL. The effect of co-existent ions suggests little influence on the adsorption. Compared to other contemporary and relevant adsorbents, it can be concluded that BL can be exercised for the sustainable decontamination of CV-containing wastewater. NOVELTY STATEMENT Bambusa bambos, the giant thorny bamboo is an abundantly available plant throughout the year, has been successfully exercised using its fallen leaves to scavenge crystal violet, a cationic dye from water and wastewater. Up to 95% adsorption was noticed at ambient conditions, which when further extrapolated for industrial effluent analysis, shows a remarkable 36.8% decontamination/cycle. With an adsorption capacity of 30 mg/g, it enjoys an edge over contemporary phytosorbents. The process is free from any chemical treatment, green in nature, and sustainable. Abundant availability and economic viability allow an impactful application of fallen bamboo leaves for water and wastewater treatment in a lab-to-land sequence.

Automated summary

Fallen bamboo leaves (BL) have been utilized as an efficient and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of crystal violet dye from wastewater with a high scavenging ability of up to 95%. The process follows chemisorption pathway and shows good adsorption kinetics and isotherm. BL can be regenerated and reused with satisfactory activity. The use of BL can lead to a significant reduction in CV-contaminated wastewater. Abundant availability and economic viability allow for its impactful application in water and wastewater treatment.