Design and Performance Assessment of Zinc Oxide-Chitosan Nanocomposite Filter for Continuous Removal of Textile Azo Dye

Providing a cost effective and efficient textile effluent treatment option is crucial to prevent the destruction of natural environment and meeting the demand of potable water. However, the present study embarks on the design and development of novel zinc oxide-chitosan nanocomposite filter for cost effective and continuous removal of textile azo dye. In the present study, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using Citrus aurantifolia peel extract and then synthesized ZnO nanoparticles are immobilized with biocompatible and biodegradable chitosan to form Zno-chitosan (ZnO/CTS) nanocomposite beads. The feasibility and performance of ZnO-chitosan nanocomposite as nanosorbent for continuous removal of methyl orange which is an anionic azo dye was evaluated by conducting a packed column test at various nanocomposite dosage, initial dye concentration and methyl orange dye flow rate. The developed nanosorbent imparted superior methyl orange (MO) dye uptake capacity of 40.76 mg/g and overall MO removal percentage of 68.73%. Thomas model was responded well to the experimental findings (R-2 > 0.96). Therefore, the developed ZnO/CTS nanocomposite filter was better suited for MO dye sequestration to secure safer environments. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

This study developed a novel zinc oxide-chitosan nanocomposite filter for cost effective and continuous removal of textile azo dye. The experimental results showed that the developed nanosorbent had superior dye uptake capacity and removal efficiency.