Novel Biosorption Method for Eliminating Methylene Blue Dye from Wastewater Using Sweet Potato Peels.

Abstract This study investigates the use of sweet potato peels as a biosorbent for the removal of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of key variables, including adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial dye concentration, on the removal efficiency of MB. The results demonstrated that the removal efficiency of MB increased with the adsorbent dosage, reaching an optimal value of 70% at a dosage of 1.1 g/100 mL. Additionally, the adsorption process achieved equilibrium at 50 minutes of contact time. However, higher concentrations of MB in the solution led to a decrease in removal efficiency, likely due to the saturation of the adsorbent surface. Further analysis using FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and phenolic groups on the sweet potato peel surface, which play a crucial role in the adsorption process. The study concluded that sweet potato peels are an effective, eco-friendly adsorbent for MB dye removal, offering a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment. The findings highlight the potential of this agricultural byproduct in addressing water pollution concerns, providing a viable solution aligned with environmental conservation efforts.