Design and characterization of BPAC-SA beads synergistic phytoremediation with Eichhornia crassipes for enhanced adsorption of Ni2+ ions from industrial effluents: IoT real-time monitoring

Abstract

Here, we demonstrate the effective use of sodium alginate (SA) and banana peel-activated carbon (BPAC) combined Eichhornia crassipes for phytoremediation as sustainable adsorbents for Ni²⁺ ion removal from nickel industry effluents. SA beads' adsorption capacity and removal efficiency exhibited 1357 mg/g and 90.5 %, while BPAC-SA composite beads achieved 1393 mg/g and 92.9 %. Notable bead expansion post-adsorption confirmed strong pollutant interaction, particularly in BPAC-SA beads. Structural characterization via XRD revealed the slight transition from amorphous to crystalline phases, confirming the successful incorporation of BPAC into the SA matrix through ionotropic gelation methods. The BPAC-SA beads displayed a rough, porous morphology with enhanced surface area and bonding potential. At the same time, FTIR spectra showed functional group shifts—especially in OH, CH, carbonyl, and carboxylate bands indicating strong interactions and new bond formations. Real-time monitoring using Internet of Things devices successfully implemented and validated the adsorption kinetics and process efficiency.