Unveiling the Biocatalytic Power of Fruit Peel-Originated Eco-Enzymes for Green Textile Wastewater PurificationIf you are interested in products related to the research phase in this field, please contact for further inquiries.
The textile industry, a cornerstone of global manufacturing, is grappling with a significant environmental challenge: the management of its wastewater. This wastewater, rich in complex chemicals, dyes, and heavy metals, poses a severe threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health when untreated. Traditional wastewater treatment methods, while effective, rely heavily on harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes that are neither sustainable nor environmentally friendly. In this context, the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives has become imperative. One such innovative solution is the use of eco-enzymes derived from fruit peels, which offer a sustainable and biodegradable approach to treating textile wastewater.
Fig 1. Schematic illustration of eco-enzyme synthesis from banana, pineapple, and orange fruit peels. (Das S. C., et al., 2024)Eco-enzymes, biocatalysts derived from natural sources such as plants, fungi, and microbes, have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods. These enzymes can catalyze chemical reactions under mild conditions, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of eco-enzymes derived from organic waste, such as fruit peels, in treating wastewater from various industries. The potential of these eco-enzymes to degrade complex organic pollutants, reduce biological and chemical oxygen demands, and exhibit antimicrobial properties makes them an attractive and sustainable alternative.
Banana (Musa acuminata), pineapple (Ananas comosus), and orange (Citrus sinensis) peels were collected from local markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh. These fruit peels were chosen for their abundance and availability. Textile dyeing-finishing wastewater was sourced from the wastewater treatment plant (ETP) section of Masco Group Ltd., a textile dyeing-finishing industry in Gazipur, Bangladesh. The wastewater was highly alkaline, with a pH of 10.5, due to the use of concentrated alkali in textile pretreatment, dyeing, and finishing processes.
The eco-enzymes were synthesized by fermenting the fruit peels with brown sugar and distilled water in a ratio of 3:1:10 (fruit peel:brown sugar:water). The mixture was left to ferment in an airtight glass container for three months. After fermentation, the mixture was filtered to obtain the eco-enzyme, which was stored at 4°C for further characterization. This method ensures that the enzymes remain active and viable for subsequent analysis and application.
The pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) of the eco-enzymes were measured using standard methods. The citric acid concentration was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The biocatalytic activity of the eco-enzymes was assessed by measuring protease, amylase, and lipase activities using specific analytical methods.
The antimicrobial potential of the eco-enzymes was evaluated using the agar disc diffusion method. The study tested the efficacy of the eco-enzymes against two bacterial strains: Streptococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative). The results showed that all eco-enzymes exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with the O-E demonstrating the highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) against both bacterial strains at a 15% concentration. This antimicrobial property is crucial for preventing the spread of harmful pathogens and ensuring the safety of treated water.
Experimental Setup
The study conducted a 100-hour experiment to assess the efficacy of eco-enzymes in treating textile wastewater. The concentration of eco-enzymes was maintained at an optimal 10%. Parameters such as BOD, COD, TDS, total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH were monitored at 20-hour intervals.
Results and Discussion
After 100 hours of treatment, the eco-enzymes demonstrated significant reductions in BOD, COD, TDS, and TSS, as well as an increase in DO content. Specifically, the P-E was most effective in reducing BOD by approximately 80%, while the O-E achieved the highest COD reduction of around 85%. The P-E also showed the best performance in reducing TDS and TSS. The DO content of the treated wastewater was significantly higher compared to conventional treatment methods, ranging from 4.5 to 6 mg/L. These results highlight the potential of eco-enzymes to significantly reduce the environmental impact of textile manufacturing.
Visual Analysis of Wastewater Decolorization
The study also visually assessed the decolorization of textile wastewater treated with eco-enzymes. The results indicated that all eco-enzymes effectively decolorized the wastewater, with the P-E showing the highest efficiency. This visual improvement aligns with the significant reductions in BOD, COD, and TSS observed in the treated wastewater.
The study conducted an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the efficacy of eco-enzyme treatment with conventional methods. The results demonstrated significant differences in the treatment outcomes, highlighting the potential of eco-enzyme treatment as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical treatment for textile wastewater remediation.
The findings of this study underscore the potential of fruit peel-derived eco-enzymes as a viable and eco-friendly solution for textile wastewater treatment. Further research and development could optimize the production and application of these eco-enzymes, leading to more efficient and cost-effective wastewater treatment processes. The recycling and reuse of natural waste in this manner not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to a circular economy.
The innovative use of fruit peel-derived eco-enzymes offers a sustainable and effective approach to treating textile wastewater. By harnessing the biocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of these natural enzymes, the textile industry can move towards more environmentally friendly practices. This study highlights the potential of eco-enzymes to significantly reduce the environmental impact of textile manufacturing, paving the way for a greener future in industrial wastewater treatment.
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Reference
This article is for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
