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Kuppusamy and Dhanasamy

orange peel (4.8–6.2 mg/g), and sugarcane bagasse
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(4.5–7.4 mg/g), PPPS demonstrates competitive
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performance. This highlights its effectiveness and
suitability as a low-cost, high-potential biosorbent.
Furthermore, unlike many biosorbents that require
extensive chemical pre-treatment, PPPS performed well
with minimal processing, making it more accessible and
environmentally favorable for real-world applications.
Figure 14. SEM images of the recovered PPPS
Abbreviations: SEM: Scanning electron microscopy; 3.9. Applicability and environmental impacts
PPPS: Powdered plantain pseudo-stem Although the chemical parameters of the treated water
did not fully meet the drinking water standards set by
accompanied by visible cracks, micro fissures, and Indian regulatory agencies, biosorption with plantain
loosened fiber bundles, which collectively contribute to pseudo-stem significantly improved water quality.
an increased surface area—an advantageous feature for Parameters, such as pH, TDS, COD, BOD , and heavy
5
subsequent adsorption-based applications. Disruption metal concentrations were notably reduced, making
at the cell wall level is also evident, with signs of the treated water suitable for non-potable applications,
rupture and swelling, particularly in samples subjected such as laboratory washing and industrial reuse. This
to microbial or chemical hydrolysis, indicating active has meaningful implications for water conservation in
biodegradation on the surface. In addition, the presence resource-limited settings, where potable water must be
of granular or crystalline deposits suggests residual salts preserved for essential uses. The study suggests that
or precipitates from wastewater exposure. Compared while the biosorbent may not yet replace conventional
to untreated material, the treated pseudo-stem appears purification technologies for potable water, it offers a
cleaner but more fragmented, with a clearer delineation promising, cost-effective solution for secondary water
of fiber bundles due to the separation of the supporting treatment.
matrix. These changes demonstrate the enhanced The study highlights the simplicity and cost-
suitability of the processed pseudo-stem for further effectiveness of the plantain pseudo-stem in the
functionalization or use in value-added applications, purification process. A container is sufficient for PPPS
such as biosorption, composite development, or and RPPS methods, requiring minimal infrastructure
enzymatic hydrolysis. and equipment. Furthermore, plantain pseudo-stems
are commonly available waste biomass, making them
3.7. Reusability of PPPS an attractive choice for utilization as a biosorbent. This
The regeneration efficiency of PPPS was assessed over makes the purification process environmentally friendly
three consecutive cycles. The first cycle maintained and sustainable, as it utilizes a renewable and abundant
high removal of Pb² , while the second and third resource.
+
cycles retained approximately 75% and 50% of the The observed fungal growth on the plantain pseudo-
initial adsorption capacity, respectively. The sustained stem after RPPS treatment indicates that it undergoes
performance in later cycles is attributed to the acid degradation easily. The demonstrated reusability
treatment’s ability to restore a significant proportion of PPPS further enhances the sustainability of the
of active sites by desorbing bound Pb²⁺ ions, while purification process by reducing waste generation and
preserving the structural integrity of the biomass. resource consumption.
A gradual decline in capacity likely results from
irreversible binding, structural degradation, or partial 4. Conclusion
loss of functional groups during repeated use.
The increasing discharge of laboratory wastewater, laden
3.8. Comparative performance of PPPS with other with chemical residues, poses a significant challenge to
biosorbents environmental sustainability. Given the indispensable
As reported in Section 3.4.1, the monolayer adsorption role of chemicals in scientific research, particularly
capacity of PPPS for Pb²⁺ was approximately in the field of chemistry, there is a pressing need for
5.88 mg/g. When compared with other agricultural environmentally responsible treatment strategies that do
biosorbents, such as banana peel (3.6–5.1 mg/g), not compromise the integrity of research.
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Volume 22 Issue 6 (2025) 130 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025110078