Removal of Zinc Ion from Aqueous Solution using Carbonized Sugarcane Bagasse: as a Low Cost Material

This study investigated the potential of carbonized sugarcane bagasse as an eco-friendly biosorbent for the removal of zinc ions (Zn²⁺) from aqueous solutions. The biosorbent was characterized by point of zero charge (PZC) and it was observed the surface of was neutral at pH 7.2 indicating no interaction between the adsorbent and adsorbate. Adsorption parameters including effect of contact time, adsorbent dose, initial metal ion concentration and pH were studied. Results demonstrated rapid zinc uptake, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 13.48 mg/g achieved within 10 minutes, highlighting the efficiency of carbonized bagasse. The study revealed that lower adsorbent dosages (0.01 g) and initial zinc concentration (10 mg/L) yielded higher adsorption capacities, suggesting strong mass transfer driving forces. Optimal removal occurred at pH 6, indicating deprotonated functional groups which enhanced Zn²⁺ binding. These results demonstrated that the sugarcane bagasse is a suitable precursor for the preparation of appropriate adsorbent for heavy metal removal from aqueous solution.