Removal of dyes from water using Citrullus lanatus seed powder in continuous and discontinuous systems

The objective of this study is to develop a low-cost biosorbent using residual seeds of the Citrullus lanatus fruit for the removal of cationic dyes. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, adsorbent mass, contact time, and temperature were evaluated for their effects on dye removal. The biosorbent is composed of lignin and cellulose, exhibiting a highly heterogeneous surface with randomly distributed cavities and bulges. The adsorption of both dyes was most effective at natural pH with a dosage of 0.8 g L^-1. Equilibrium was reached within 120 min, regardless of concentration, indicating rapid kinetics. The Elovich model and pseudo-second-order kinetics were observed for crystal violet and basic fuchsin dye, respectively. The Langmuir model fitted well with the equilibrium data of both dyes. However, the increased temperature had a negative impact on dye adsorption. The biosorbent also demonstrated satisfactory performance (R = 43%) against a synthetic mixture of dyes and inorganic salts, with a small mass transfer zone. The adsorption capacities for crystal violet and basic fuchsin dye were 48.13 mg g^-1 and 44.26 mg g^-1, respectively. Thermodynamic studies confirmed an exothermic nature of adsorption. Overall, this low-cost biosorbent showed potential for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions.