A Synthesis/Sorption Approach in the Remediation of Mixed Vat Dye Aqueous Solution Using Biosynthesized Copper Nanoparticles

Adsorption processes for the remediation of wastewater have been in literature for decades, it is conventional to make use of instruments such as; Centrifuge, Oven, water-bath shaker and others, during the synthesis of nanoparticle as an adsorbent. The above-mentioned instruments make the process costlier and cumbersome. Combining the synthesis and the adsorption processes into a single chamber proffer a locally practicable, cost effective and highly efficient methodology. The remediation of simulated mixed vat-dye wastewater during the formation of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) is presented in this work; abundance of flavonoids, saponin, terpenoids and catechins phytochemicals were noticed in the extracts which serves as the reducing agent, the sorption optimization results show that Chrysophyllum albidum aqueous extract effected a 100% dye removal at optimum pH of 9 (alkaline medium) while, Mimusops Coriacea aqueous extract had a 92.9% dye removal ability at the optimum pH of 5 (acidic medium). the reaction optimum time stands at 48 hours. Characterization of the sludge i.e., dye particles and copper nanoparticles revealed from the calculated X-ray diffraction (XRD) average crystal sizes of 5.89nm and 17.23nm for Mimusops Coriacea and Chrysophyllum albidum respectively. The FTIR shows presence of O-H, N-H, conjugation of C═O and C═C bands. The research presented the biosynthesized Cu NPs with aqueous extract Chrysophyllum albidum as reducing agent to be more efficient in degrading the dye mixture compared to Mimusops Coriacea aqueous extract. The study achieved a less laborious and a cost-effective method of remediating dye wastewater through the use of biosynthesized nanoparticle, which makes the process environment friendly.