Sustainable Valorization of Plant Biomass Waste for Environmental Applications

The increasing generation of agricultural and plant-processing residues presents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for sustainable resource recovery. Large quantities of fruit peels, seeds, leaves, husks, shells, stalks, straw and other lignocellulosic residues are generated annually from agricultural and food-processing activities. Improper disposal or open burning of these materials can contribute to environmental pollution and the loss of potentially valuable biomass resources. In recent years, the conversion of plant biomass waste into value-added materials has emerged as an important strategy within the circular bioeconomy. This review explores the potential of plant-derived agricultural residues as sustainable materials for environmental applications, particularly wastewater remediation. Plant biomass can be utilized directly as biosorbents or converted into modified adsorbents, biochar and activated carbon. Their cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and associated functional groups provide active sites capable of interacting with dyes, heavy metals and other pollutants. Factors such as pH, adsorbent dosage, particle size, contact time, temperature and initial pollutant concentration influence the adsorption performance. Characterization techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and surface-area measurements can provide information regarding surface morphology, elemental composition and functional groups. The valorization of plant residues offers a dual environmental benefit by reducing biomass waste while providing low-cost materials for pollution control. Future research should focus on regeneration, reusability, treatment of real wastewater, life-cycle assessment, scale-up and safe end-of-life management of pollutant-loaded biosorbents. The approach supports circular economy principles and contributes particularly to Sustainable Development Goals 6, 12 and 13.