Soumen Dey

Inspired by the proven efficacy of phytosorbents, Pongamia pinnata flower (PPF) has been used for the removal of crystal violet dye from simulated and industrial wastewater. The adsorbent material was characterized using BET surface area and FESEM-EDX techniques, which suggested the presence of polyphenolic moieties and a modest porous nature. XRD and FT-IR techniques have been implemented to detect functional groups and the amorphous nature in the phytosorbent. The maximum uptake capacity of the material, 146.18 mg/g, was obtained at room temperature, and the uptake pathway followed the Freundlich isotherm (R²=0.997) and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R²=0.999), suggesting chemisorption and a heterogeneous mode. Spontaneity and endothermicity were confirmed with the Gibbs free energy (ΔG = -2.204 kJ/mol) and change in enthalpy (ΔH = 58.29 kJ/mol). Easy regeneration with 1:1 methanol has been seen. The presence of coexisting ions did not raise any performance concerns, which was further confirmed by testing in spiked water. The uptake mechanism is proposed to be a combination of weaker forces, including hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and modest electrostatic forces.

Water is indispensable to the existence of all living organisms. Groundwater is getting polluted by several means, such as from pesticides and fertilizers, textile waste effluents, drugs to trash t...

Huge fish scale waste accumulation in the marketplace and the fishing industry is awkwardly challenging due to the pungent odor arising from trimethylamine N-oxide. Moreover, continuous release of toxic dyes from industries as effluents seriously endangers human health and aquatic ecosystems. In line with the waste-to-best protocol, an advanced material, namely polyaniline decorated fish scale biochar (PANI@FSB) composite, was prepared and employed for dual purposes. PANI@FSB was confirmed through Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX), pH_zpc, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). As a bactericide, it acts upon Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) with 76.7% and 94.4% destruction efficiencies, as confirmed by the colony counting method. Targeted membrane breakdown augments cell lysis, resulting in destruction. Besides, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from PANI@FSB may potentially oxidize the deoxynucleotide pool. Moreover, PANI@FSB rapidly scavenges Eriochrome black T (EBT) dye from wastewater. PANI@FSB could scavenge 94.573 mg/g of EBT dye at 500 mg/L concentration following the Freundlich isotherm model (R² = 0.998) and pseudo-second-order (R² = 0.999) model. 77.26% regeneration was obtained in methanol to re-establish the composite for 5 cycles. Favorably, the PANI@FSB displayed well in real wastewater over previously demonstrated materials. The long-hankered disposal issue was resolved with a second-generation adsorbent whose efficacy has been mapped with 73% dye removal efficiency.

Zerovalent iron and manganese embedded biochar composites have been utilized for colored wastewater treatment and antibacterial application.

This review explores the multifaceted role of functionalized mesoporous silica in removing both inorganic and organic pollutants from various environmental matrices. The growing interest in mesoporous silica for pollution remediation was examined. The synthesis and analysis of organosilica materials with mesoporous structures were discussed, highlighting their unique properties and potential applications. The review explains the mechanisms behind the adsorption of inorganic contaminants like heavy metals. It highlights the interaction of mercury (Hg(II)) with thiol-functionalized mesoporous silica and the effectiveness of amino, poly-amino groups, advanced ligands, and bi-functionalized adsorbents. It also discusses the selectivity and functionality of these materials, focusing on their ability to target specific pollutants and reduce environmental harm. Furthermore, the review addresses the crucial aspect of regeneration and reuse of absorbent materials, enhancing the sustainability of pollution remediation processes. In addition to inorganic pollutants, the review examines the adsorption of hazardous organic species by pristine and uncalcined mesoporous silica, as well as aluminum-containing mesoporous silica. The incorporation of cyclodextrins into mesoporous silica matrices is explored as a strategy to enhance the adsorption capacity of organic compounds. Oxyanions and radionuclides are also considered, underscoring the versatility of mesoporous silica-based adsorbents in addressing a wide range of environmental contaminants. This review provides insights into the potential of enhanced mesoporous silica as a versatile and efficient solution for the removal of both inorganic and organic pollutants, paving the way for sustainable environmental remediation strategies.