Waste Newspaper Derived Nano-Cellulose for the Removal of Organic Pollutants from Water

Cellulose from waste newspapers was hydrolyzed with acid to fabricate nano-cellulose (n-CL). The absorptivity of n-CL was evaluated for the removal of pollutants such as pharmaceutical, dye, and pesticide in the environmental remediation. Smooth surface morphology with particle dimensions in the micro-range was found by FESEM analysis. EDAX studies confirmed the carbonaceous and eco-friendly nature of n-CL. FTIR analysis revealed the prominence of specific surface functionality like O-H, C-O, C-H, and C-O-C in the nano-cellulose. Surface area and pore analysis revealed that the majority of its pores were in the meso- and micro-region. Batch studies conducted with 0.1 g/L of n-CL corresponding with Tetracycline (TTC), Eriochrome Black T (EBT), and Atrazine (20 ppm) for a period of contact of 30 mins revealed a removal efficiency of 71%, 80%, and 73%. The study revealed the efficacy of a waste newspaper-based nano-cellulose for use as a green and low-cost adsorbent for wastewater treatment.