Utilization of Sugarcane Bagasse-Derived Bioadsorbents in a Packed Bed System for the Treatment of Fish Pond Effluent

Abstract

This research focused on exploring the efficacy of sugarcane bagasse-derived materials in a packed bed system for remediating aquaculture wastewater, with the goal of ensuring environmentally safe discharge. The bagasse fibres (SCB) were mercerized with sodium hydroxide (NaOH-SCB) and carbonized into biochar (SCB). Characterization techniques revealed significant chemical and physical changes in the modified bagasse, including changes in elemental composition, surface area, and thermal stability. The modified materials exhibited increased surface area and reduced pore size, and SCBB being the most thermally stable. The effect of contact times (30 min, followed by 1, 2, and 24 h) was studied on the treatment of fish pond effluent with bagasse-based materials. Physico-chemical parameters measured were temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, and colour. The concentrations of metals (iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper) were also analysed. The treatment with the filter materials was effective in positively regulating various physico-chemical parameters of the effluent; however, it had a negative effect on the electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. Among the materials, SCBB was the most effective for improving physico-chemical parameters, while NaOH-SCB was more effective for reducing the concentration of metals in the effluent. The optimum contact time for the treatment was observed to be 24 h for SCB, 2 h for NaOH-SCB, and either 30 min or one hour for SCBB. This study examines the effectiveness of sugarcane bagasse-based materials as a cost-effective and green alternative for industrial wastewater treatment.