EVALUATING THE ADSORPTION POTENTIAL OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE AND LEMONGRASS FOR CHROMIUM (VI) REMOVAL IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT

The increasing levels of chromium (VI) ions in textile wastewater pose significant environmental challenges, necessitating effective treatment methods. This study evaluates the biosorption potential of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and lemongrass (LM), both individually and in blend form, for the removal of chromium (VI) ions. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the impact of contact time and adsorbent dosage on removal efficiency. BET analysis revealed that the blend had the highest surface area (1047.885 m²/g), enhancing its adsorption capacity, while FTIR spectroscopy identified key functional groups such as hydroxyl and carbonyl that facilitate metal binding. Results indicated that the blend exhibited superior adsorption capacity, with kinetic studies showing that the adsorption process followed a Pseudo-second order model, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Isotherm analyses indicated that the Langmuir model best-described adsorption on SCB, while the Freundlich model was more suitable for LM and the blend. This research recommends the practical application of SCB and LM in wastewater treatment and encourages further investigation into their potential for removing other heavy metals, highlighting a sustainable approach to environmental remediation.