Buckthorn Leaves as an Efficient Material for Simultaneously Multi Eco-Friendly Purposes

Zinc, an essential element, offers numerous benefits; however, an excessive accumulation of zinc within the human body can pose detrimental effects. This study endeavors to mitigate zinc contamination in water sources through an adsorption process utilizing buckthorn leaves as a cost-effective, natural adsorbent. The investigation examined various operational parameters that affect the adsorption process, including pH levels, initial zinc ion concentrations, buckthorn leaf dosage, contact duration, temperature, and agitation speed. The results showed that 78% was the maximum removal of zinc ions, achieved at the optimum conditions of 6, 25 ppm, 4.5 g, 120 min, 45 °C, and 350 rpm, respectively. Furthermore, the residual buckthorn leaves, laden with zinc ions, were evaluated for potential utilization as an organic fertilizer for white beans. The investigation entailed determining the zinc ion content adsorbed by the leaves. Subsequent cultivation trials demonstrated a noteworthy enhancement in bean pod yield from soil treated with zinc-loaded leaves, exhibiting a 9% increase compared to soil treated solely with raw leaves or left untreated. Notably, the resulting crop mass was equivalent across all treatment groups. Thus, this study presents an innovative approach to simultaneously manage solid waste and purify water, offering an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution