In the pursuit of sustainable and cost-effective solutions for industrial wastewater treatment, a team of researchers from Universiti Teknologi MARA has made a significant breakthrough. Led by Rabuyah Ni, the study introduces an innovative method for removing crystal violet (CV) dye from wastewater using chemically-enhanced pineapple crown leaves (CPCL). Published in the *Malaysia Journal of Invention and Innovation* (known in English as the *Malaysian Journal of Invention and Innovation*), this research offers a promising alternative to conventional treatment methods, with far-reaching implications for the energy and textile industries.
Synthetic dyes like crystal violet are widely used in the textile industry, but their toxicity, stability, and resistance to traditional treatment methods pose serious environmental threats. Rabuyah Ni and her team explored the potential of pineapple crown leaves (PCL), an agricultural waste product, as a low-cost biosorbent for dye removal. “We aimed to transform an often-discarded agricultural byproduct into a valuable resource for environmental remediation,” Ni explained. The study compared the adsorption performance of raw PCL (RPCL) and sodium hydroxide-treated PCL (CPCL), revealing that chemical treatment significantly enhanced the biosorbent’s surface properties.
Through batch adsorption studies, the researchers found that CPCL achieved a maximum dye removal efficiency of 98.35%, outperforming RPCL, which achieved 97.02%. “The alkali activation process increased the porosity, surface area, and number of active functional groups on the PCL, making it a more effective adsorbent,” Ni noted. This enhancement aligns with circular economic principles, offering a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy and textile sectors. As industries increasingly seek environmentally responsible solutions, the transformation of agricultural waste into high-performance adsorbents presents a scalable and cost-effective approach. “This method not only addresses the pressing need for efficient dye remediation but also supports green chemistry initiatives,” Ni said. The findings could pave the way for broader applications in industrial effluent management and rural water purification, contributing to a more sustainable future.
The study’s publication in the *Malaysian Journal of Invention and Innovation* underscores its relevance to both academic and industrial stakeholders. As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges, innovative solutions like this one offer hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future. Rabuyah Ni’s research exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving forward environmental technology, inspiring further exploration in this critical field.