Enhancement of biosorption capability of imidazolium-based ionic liquid-treated Prosopis juliflora for the removal of malachite green from wastewater

Due to its toxicity effect, treating toxic pollutants discharged from textile effluent is challenging for living beings. In the present study, the comparative biosorption potential of imidazolium-based ionic liquid-treated Prosopis juliflora (ILPJS) and untreated P. juliflora (PJS) was investigated for the removal of toxic pollutant, malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution. The textural, surface morphology, and functional analysis of ILPJS and PJS were examined using BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis, SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) analysis, and FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) analysis. Textural property (BET surface area) and surface morphology containing irregular heterogeneous surface for ILPJS were significantly improved than PJS, thereby facilitating significant biosorption of MG. Based on the conventional optimization studies, the essential biosorption parameters for the removal of MG using ILPJS were found to be: initial pH (9.0), contact time (30 min), and biosorbent dosage (0.2 g). The maximum biosorption capacity of PJS and ILPJS were obtained to be 6.91 and 13.64 mg/g at 40 degree celsius, respectively. The spontaneous and endothermic biosorption of MG was confirmed by thermodynamic analysis. The regeneration study indicated the greater reusability of ILPJS and PJS for MG removal till the fifth cycle. Based on the previous literature, this is the first report comparing the removal of toxic pollutant MG using ILPJS and PJS.