In the quest for sustainable and cost-effective solutions to industrial wastewater treatment, a team of researchers from Universiti Teknologi MARA has made a significant breakthrough. Led by Rabuyah Ni, the study, published in the *Malaysia Journal of Invention and Innovation* (translated as *Majalah Inovasi dan Inovasi Malaysia*), explores the innovative use of pineapple crown leaves (PCL) as a biosorbent for removing crystal violet (CV) dye from wastewater. This research not only highlights the potential of agricultural waste in environmental remediation but also offers a promising avenue for the energy and textile industries to adopt greener practices.
Crystal violet dye, widely used in the textile industry, is notorious for its toxicity and resistance to conventional treatment methods. The accumulation of such dyes in water bodies poses severe environmental threats, necessitating effective and sustainable remediation strategies. Rabuyah Ni and her team have demonstrated that pineapple crown leaves, typically discarded as agricultural waste, can be transformed into a highly effective biosorbent through a simple chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide.
The study compared the adsorption performance of raw pineapple crown leaves (RPCL) and chemically-enhanced pineapple crown leaves (CPCL). The results were striking. “Chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide significantly enhanced the surface properties of the pineapple crown leaves, increasing porosity, surface area, and the number of active functional groups,” explained Rabuyah Ni. This enhancement translated into a remarkable improvement in dye removal efficiency, with CPCL achieving a maximum dye removal efficiency of 98.35%, compared to 97.02% for RPCL.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. By transforming agricultural waste into high-performance adsorbents, industries can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while also cutting costs. “This method is not only cost-effective and environmentally friendly but also scalable, offering practical applications in textile effluent management and rural water purification,” Ni added. The findings contribute to green chemistry initiatives and support sustainable innovation in environmental technology, making it highly relevant for industries seeking efficient, environmentally responsible dye remediation solutions.
The potential commercial impacts for the energy sector are particularly noteworthy. As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability, the adoption of such innovative technologies can enhance corporate social responsibility profiles and open new avenues for green investments. The scalability of the method ensures that it can be integrated into existing wastewater treatment infrastructures, providing a seamless transition to more sustainable practices.
This research underscores the importance of exploring unconventional materials for environmental remediation. By leveraging agricultural waste, industries can address two critical challenges: waste management and water pollution. The study published in the *Malaysia Journal of Invention and Innovation* serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and the potential of sustainable innovation to drive positive change.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of industrial pollution, the findings of Rabuyah Ni and her team offer a beacon of hope. Their work not only advances the field of environmental technology but also paves the way for a more sustainable future. By embracing such innovative solutions, industries can contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet while also reaping the benefits of cost-effective and scalable wastewater treatment methods.