Citrus sinensis cellulose fibres incorporated with SPIONs for effective removal of crystal violet dye

Water pollution is one of the most threatening problem globally as the freshwater reserves were contaminated with dye and other toxic effluents released from the industries. This study utilizes nanoparticles along with the waste substance to enhance the removal efficiency of crystal violet dye. Peels of orange are generally discarded and considered to be waste, where it is rich of fibers and has got potential applications. Thus, in this study Citrus sinensis peels were collected, dried, powdered and characterized using various analytical techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis (SEM- EDX). Peels were utilized for the extraction of cellulose fiber which was further characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX and coated with Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) and characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX and Zeta potential. Peels, extracted cellulose fiber and cellulose fiber coated SPIONs were used in batch adsorption study for the removal of crystal violet dye. Cellulose fiber was found to remove crystal violet effectively and adsorption parameters like adsorbate-adsorbent concentration, pH and contact time were optimized and it was found to obey Langmuir isotherm.