Sustainable Adsorption of Congo Red Dye Using Organic Waste Materials as Green Adsorbents: A Mini-Review

One of the most significant applications of green chemistry is the utilization of agricultural organic waste products as efficient and cost-effective adsorbents. This eventually leads to environmental sustainability and the safeguarding of natural resources. Previous studies have shown that many agricultural waste products may be used as source materials or with physical or chemical alterations in Congo red (CR) dye adsorption. Employing waste materials aligns with the concepts of sustainability and waste reduction, both of which are important aspects of green chemistry. Agricultural waste is often abundant and inexpensive, making it a viable alternative to conventional adsorbents. Transforming debris into usable commodities reduces the environmental effect of waste disposal and the demand for non-renewable resources. Many agricultural wastes have vast surface areas and functional groups, which can effectively adsorb pollutants from aqueous solutions. This mini-review looks at the use of organic waste materials such as agricultural leftovers, fruit peels, and biomass as sustainable adsorbents to remove the hazardous color Congo Red from water. It emphasizes the benefits of these materials over traditional adsorbents, looking at advances in their manufacture and modification to increase adsorption capacity. The review analyses the parameters that influence the adsorption process, compares green adsorbents to traditional ones, and considers their regeneration and reuse, highlighting their potential for environmental conservation and waste valorization.