Exploring the potential of buckwheat hull-based biosorbents for efficient water pollutant removal

This mini-review aims to explore the potential applications of buckwheat hulls as adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from water. With the global demand for clean water, steadily increasing and water pollution ranking among the most pressing environmental challenges, the development of efficient water purification techniques is of paramount importance. Among these, adsorption using activated carbon has proven to be one of the most effective methods. However, the production of commercial activated carbon predominantly relies on non-renewable fossil fuels, leading to significant environmental concerns and high operational costs. Commercially activated carbon and zeolites are the most commonly used adsorbents for water and wastewater treatment due to their high surface area and effective contaminant removal capabilities; however, alternative adsorbents such as lignocellulosic materials and biochars derived from agricultural waste offer advantages like lower cost, eco-friendliness, and potential for regeneration, making them attractive for sustainable wastewater management solutions. Buckwheat hulls, a by-product of buckwheat processing, present a viable option due to their availability, cost-effectiveness, and potential utility as raw materials for both energy and environmental applications. This mini-review provides an overview of the physicochemical properties of buckwheat hulls and their applications in water treatment. It highlights the use of both native (unmodified) and chemically or physically modified buckwheat hulls in adsorption processes to remove a range of waterborne pollutants, including heavy metals and synthetic dyes. Based on the existing body of literature, it is evident that buckwheat hulls, in their various forms, represent a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional non-renewable adsorbents. Their utilization not only offers an environmentally friendly solution for water purification but also contributes to the valorisation of agri-industrial by-products/waste, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.