Modification of cellulose-based waste materials for removal of methylene blue from wastewater

Abstract

Different natural fibers and yarns (hemp, flax, and cotton), obtained as a waste from textile industry, were used for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution. In attempt to increase the adsorption efficiency, examined fibers and yarn were modified by sodium hydroxide solution. Characterization of examined samples was performed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was shown that applied modification caused the differences in the distribution of hemicelluloses in the structure of examined fibers and fibers in yarn, inducing the changes in morphology and surface chemistry. These changes slightly improved the adsorption properties of hemp fibers, while in the case of cotton yarn modification had a negative effect on methylene blue adsorption. Nevertheless, adsorption efficiency of these waste fibers and yarns highly increase with the pH of the solution, enabling their utilization for methylene blue removal from wastewaters.