DataVXCellulose Chemistry and TechnologyPaper
journal article·2026-05-15Open access

POTENTIAL OF LOW-COST POMEGRANATE PEELS ADSORBENT FOR DYE REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER: A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR AGRICULTURAL WASTE VALORIZATION

Research Laboratory of Engineering Processes and Industrial Systems, National Engineering School of Gabes, University of Gabes, St Omar Ibn El-Khattab, 6029 Tunisia, AMINA BEDOUI, NOUHA SOUDANI, Research Laboratory of Engineering Processes and Industrial Systems, National Engineering School of Gabes, University of Gabes, St Omar Ibn El-Khattab, 6029 Tunisia, SAMIA BEN ALI, Research Laboratory of Engineering Processes and Industrial Systems, National Engineering School of Gabes, University of Gabes, St Omar Ibn El-Khattab, 6029 Tunisia, ABDELMOTTALEB OUEDERNI, Research Laboratory of Engineering Processes and Industrial Systems, National Engineering School of Gabes, University of Gabes, St Omar Ibn El-Khattab, 6029 Tunisia, SOUAD SOUISSI-NAJAR, Research Laboratory of Engineering Processes and Industrial Systems, National Engineering School of Gabes, University of Gabes, St Omar Ibn El-Khattab, 6029 Tunisia

Cellulose Chemistry and Technology· Volume 60· Issue 3-4
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Abstract

Pomegranate peel (PGP) was valorized as a low-cost and eco-friendly biosorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater. This study investigates the adsorption performance of unmodified PGP for the removal of Victoria Blue (VB). The biosorbent was characterized using several techniques, including BET analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The point of zero charge (pHpzc) and surface acidity/basicity were also evaluated using the pH equilibration method and Boehm titration, respectively. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of key parameters such as initial dye concentration, pH, contact time, and particle size. The optimum removal efficiency was achieved at pH 6, 25 °C, particle size of 0.63 mm, and an equilibrium time of 60 minutes. The adsorption equilibrium data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. Among these, the Langmuir model provided the best fit with a maximum adsorption capacity of 120.48 mg/g. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the biosorption was spontaneous and exothermic, with negative ΔG° and ΔH° values. These results highlight raw pomegranate peel's potential as an effective and sustainable biosorbent for wastewater treatement.
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OpenAlex topics: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal · Phosphorus and nutrient management · Coagulation and Flocculation Studies

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