NANOSTRUCTURED CARBON DOT FROM MUSA PARADISIACA (PLANTAIN) PEELS FOR THE REMOVAL OF METALS (PB, ZN, FE) FROM PRODUCED WATER
Abstract
This study synthesized nanostructured carbon dots from unripe Musa paradisiaca (plantain) peels and evaluated their effectiveness in removing heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Fe) from produced water. Carbon dots were prepared via hydrothermal carbonization at 180°C for 6 hours followed by H₂O₂/NaOH functionalization, and characterized using SEM, EDX, TEM, XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, and TGA. Batch adsorption experiments investigated the effects of contact time (30-150 minutes) and adsorbent dosage (1-5 g/100mL), with Response Surface Methodology employed for process optimization. Characterization confirmed carbon dots with 67.20 wt% carbon composition, graphitic structure, and thermal stability up to 285°C. Maximum removal efficiencies of 99.39% for Pb, 99.95% for Zn, and 99.85% for Fe were achieved at optimal conditions (150 minutes, 5 g/100mL), with adsorption capacities of 1.630, 3.648, and 1.332 mg/g respectively. Statistical analysis yielded highly significant models (F>15, p0.81), with adsorbent dosage and contact time identified as critical factors. Kinetic studies revealed pseudo-second-order behavior (R²>0.78) with rate constants of 0.00342, 0.00156, and 0.01243 g/mg•min for Pb, Zn, and Fe respectively, confirming chemisorption mechanisms involving electrostatic attraction, surface complexation, and ion exchange through oxygen-containing functional groups. This research demonstrates that plantain peel-derived carbon dots are effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient adsorbents for heavy metal removal from produced water, offering dual benefits of agricultural waste valorization and environmental remediation.
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