Synergizing date palm seeds-derived oxidized activated carbon: Sustainable innovation for enhanced water retention, efficient wastewater treatment, and synthetic dye removal
H. A. Nasr El Din, Mehwish Kiran, Fazal Haq, Ahmed I. Osman, Iffat Ayesha Khan, Tariq Aziz, Abid Ali Khan, Saleem Jilani
Abstract
Herein, this study explores the efficacy of oxidized activated carbon from date palm seeds (OACDS) as a multifaceted solution for sustainable wastewater treatment and water retention improvement. Through oxidation synthesis, OACDS demonstrates exceptional capability in adsorbing contaminants from water sources, offering a promising eco-friendly option for environmental remediation. Batch adsorption experiments highlight the rapid and efficient removal of Rh-6 G dyes, achieving an impressive 88.06% adsorption rate under optimized conditions of pH 6 and a 70-minute contact time. Moreover, OACDS exhibits remarkable adsorption capacities, reaching 91.3% at a 60 mg adsorbent dose and 94.23% at 55°C. Kinetic and adsorption analyses align with PSO and Langmuir models, indicating chemisorption and mono-layered adsorption of Rh-6 G on OACDS. Thermodynamic evaluation suggests the process's spontaneity and endothermic nature. The regeneration experiment revealed a notable 10.9% decrease in the adsorption capacity of OACDS towards Rh-6 G after five cycles. These findings substantiate the reusability and cost-effectiveness of OACDS, underscoring its potential economic advantages. Beyond wastewater treatment, OACDS showcases notable water retention properties, promising for agricultural applications. Its integration into clay and sandy soil enhances water retention capacities, with the clay soil-OACDS mixture displaying a peak of 16.8 mL. The material's rough and porous surface positively impacts water retention in crops, benefiting agricultural yields. Comprehensive characterization analyses using SEM, FTIR, and XRD support OACDS's effectiveness in adsorption, highlighting its amorphous structure and suitability for environmental applications. This study positions OACDS as a comprehensive solution addressing wastewater treatment and water conservation challenges, encouraging further exploration of agricultural byproducts for sustainable environmental solutions. • Oxidized activated carbon from date palm seeds (OACDS) utilized in water treatment. • OACDS is an effective adsorbent for Rhodamine 6 G dye (88.06% adsorption rate). • OACDS's remarkable water retention capabilities and enhancing soil. • The adsorption process fits the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer adsorption. • OACDS’s thermal and chemical stability through regeneration experiments revealed.