In the quest for sustainable and cost-effective solutions to water pollution, researchers have turned to an unlikely source: the humble sandbox seed shell. A recent study published in the *Journal of King Saud University: Engineering Sciences* explores the potential of activated carbon derived from sandbox seed shells (SSS) to remove methylene blue, a common dye, from wastewater. The research, led by Uchenna Henry Alozie from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, offers promising insights into the agricultural and environmental sectors.
The study focuses on the adsorption capabilities of activated carbon derived from SSS, a biomass that is often discarded as waste. By impregnating the SSS with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), the researchers enhanced the porosity and surface functionality of the material. This process, followed by carbonisation at 700°C, resulted in activated carbon with significantly increased surface areas and iodine numbers, indicating a high adsorption capacity.
“Our findings demonstrate that activated carbon derived from sandbox seed shells can be a highly effective adsorbent for removing methylene blue from aqueous solutions,” said Alozie. “The enhanced surface area and functional groups make it a viable option for water treatment applications.”
The adsorption experiments revealed that the removal efficiency of methylene blue increased with rising pH levels, peaking near neutral values. This behavior aligns with the point of zero charge (PZC) measurements of the activated carbon samples. Thermodynamic modeling further indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous for the activated samples, with the SSS-H₃PO₄AC showing the highest adsorption energy and selectivity. This is attributed to the phosphate-derived surface groups, which enhance the material’s ability to bind with the dye.
The implications of this research are significant for the agricultural sector. The use of biomass waste, such as sandbox seed shells, not only provides a sustainable solution to water pollution but also offers a commercial opportunity for farmers and agricultural businesses. By converting agricultural waste into valuable activated carbon, farmers can diversify their income streams and contribute to environmental sustainability.
“Turning agricultural waste into a valuable resource is a win-win situation,” Alozie explained. “It reduces waste disposal costs and provides a new revenue stream for farmers while addressing critical environmental challenges.”
The study also highlights the potential for future developments in the field of adsorption technology. The use of chemically activated biomass as an adsorbent opens up new avenues for research and development. Scientists can explore the use of other agricultural wastes to create activated carbon with tailored properties for specific applications.
In conclusion, the research led by Uchenna Henry Alozie offers a promising solution to the challenge of dye removal from wastewater. By leveraging the adsorption capabilities of activated carbon derived from sandbox seed shells, the study paves the way for sustainable and cost-effective water treatment solutions. The findings not only have significant implications for the agricultural sector but also contribute to the broader goal of environmental sustainability. As the world continues to grapple with water pollution, innovative solutions like this one offer hope for a cleaner and healthier future.