Polyvinyl alcohol/guar gum-based bio-adsorbent for the removal of cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous solution

In this work, we fabricated eco-friendly and low-cost bio-adsorbent from polyvinyl alcohol, guar gum and ZSM-5 zeolite for Congo red (CR) and rhodamine B (Rh B) dye removal studies. The influence of zeolite dosage on the properties of the bio-composite was reported. The optimum condition for maximum dye adsorption capacity (5.95 mg/g and 5.63 mg/g respectively for Rh B and CR) are initial dye concentration-10 mg/ L, dosage-3wt%, pH-3, contact time-3 h and temperature-30 °C). The adsorption was explained using Langmuir and pseudo-second-order model. The feasibility of dye adsorption on PVA/guar gum composite in the given conditions was confirmed by thermodynamics study. The good recyclability is another highlight of the composite. The developed composite, therefore, played an important role in the field of wastewater treatment with its excellent adsorption property, thermal stability, mechanical and reusability performance.