Biomass-Derived Adsorbents for Dye and Heavy Metal Removal from Wastewater

Wastewater has a high concentration of dyes and heavy metals, which are the two most significant contaminants. Due to their high toxicity and vulnerability, they possess a potential threat to human health as well as the ecosystem. There are many ways to eliminate these pollutants from water but adsorption has attained much interest because of its low cost, easy application, and no secondary pollutants. Biomass is considered an ecological burden and a reason for the reduction in the earth’s carrying capacity. These materials may be used as cost-effective adsorbents to remove dyes and heavy metals from wastewater. This paper highlights recent advances made in dye and heavy metal adsorption in the last 10 years. The prime focus of this review paper is on the direct application of these biomasses without any chemical or physical alteration. The removal efficiencies and adsorption capabilities of different biomass-derived adsorbents for the removal of dyes and heavy metals from wastewater are summarised in this study. Additionally, the adsorption mechanisms underlying the removal of dyes and heavy metals using biomass-derived adsorbents have been discussed, with a focus on two kinetic models: pseudofirst-order and pseudosecond-order. Furthermore, the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were utilised to verify the experimental findings and to quantify the amount and degree of adsorption favorability. Based on what has been covered in the literature, the conclusion has been drawn. The future research needs are proposed in the area of biomass-derived adsorbent development, their modification for improved efficiencies, and application on large-scale wastewater treatment plants.