Multivariate optimization and computational insights for the effective decolorization of reactive orange 107 using...

Harnessing the potentiality of Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum in the decolorization of reactive orange 107 and its reuse potential was assessed. Process parameters such as dye (100-500 mg/L) and biosorbent (100-900 mg/L) concentrations, pH (5-11) and incubation time (24-120 h) was optimized through Response Surface Methodology, Random Forest and Artificial Neural Network which revealed that maximum decolorization (97%) was attained at 500 mg/L biosorbent amended with 300 mg/L dye concentration, at pH 9 within 72 h of incubation. The dye adsorption was well fitted with Freundlich isotherm and Pseudo second order kinetics suggesting multilayer adsorption of the dye through chemisorption. Thermodynamic parameters reveals that the adsorption is endothermic, spontaneous and feasible. Analytical studies provide compelling evidence for the adsorbate and biosorbent interaction during decolorization. The eluent 0.1 N NaOH (88%) effectively desorbed the dye from the biosorbent with regeneration efficiency of 81%. The interaction between RO107 and RUBISCO observed from insilico studies reinforces the need for invitro investigation. To enhance economic and ecofriendly practices, the reuse potential of algal treated dye solution and dye desorbed algae were assessed through dyeing and composting. Hence, the present study proves that Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum act as an effective biosorbent in lessening the environmental impacts of textile dyeing process.