<p>Water contamination from the paint industry presents a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems due to the release of toxic substances such as solvents, heavy metals, pigments, and resins. To mitigate this issue, the development of efficient and sustainable treatment technologies is essential. This study explores the application of biodegradable membranes fabricated from agricultural waste for the removal of paint-derived pollutants from wastewater. Cellulose was extracted from sugarcane bagasse and cotton stalks and subsequently blended with chitosan nanoparticles and activated carbon through environmentally friendly synthesis methods. The resulting membranes were characterized using standard analytical techniques to evaluate their structural integrity and adsorption performance. Experimental results demonstrated a high removal efficiency of 99.1% for white paint contaminants. These findings highlight the potential of low-cost, bio-based membranes as an effective and sustainable solution for wastewater purification. Furthermore, the membranes show promise for broader applications, including the removal of industrial pollutants such as dyes, heavy metals, and organic solvents, thereby contributing to sustainable water management and environmental protection.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p> <p>Graphical abstract explains the degradation of the paint industry by membrane technology</p>