A green-magnetic approach to textile wastewater decolorization using nickel ferrite-enhanced activated carbon from pistachio shells

Abstract. In the pursuit of eco-friendly solutions for textile wastewater treatment, this study presents a green magnetic adsorbent material synthesized from pistachio shell-derived activated carbon-supported by modified nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4/AC). The research explores the material's structural, morphological, and chemical properties through a comprehensive characterization including XRD, TEM, and SEM. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the nickel ferrite nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of 12.4 nm. TEM and SEM images revealed a uniform distribution of nanoparticles on the porous activated carbon matrix, which is critical for maximizing the adsorptive capacity and facilitating magnetic separation. These structural features contribute to the composite's high adsorption efficiency and recyclability. The adsorption performance is evaluated using various parameters including pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and stirring rate, and the results demonstrate its efficacy in removing colorants from textile wastewater. The NiFe2O4/AC magnetic nanocomposite exhibits remarkable adsorption abilities, leading to the complete decolorization of textile wastewater when utilized under optimal conditions, including a pH of 9, a contact time of 60 min, an adsorbent dosage of 0.8 gm, and a stirring rate of 150 rpm. This innovative green adsorbent holds great promise as an environmentally responsible and cost-effective solution for the textile industry's wastewater treatment needs. Its unique combination of renewable raw materials and advanced adsorption properties represents a significant step toward sustainable water purification and pollution control.