Volume 8, Issue 10, October – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Rice Byproducts as Sustainable Adsorbents for

Textile Waste Water After-Treatment:
A Comprehensive Review
F M Sazzad Hossain
BSc in Textile Engineering (Ongoing)
Bangladesh University of Textiles
Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract:- The Textile Industry stands as a global
leader, intricately interwoven with the environment on
multiple fronts. Of grave concern is the impact of textile
wastewater, particularly its devastating consequences on
aquatic life and flora. Textile wastewater harbours a
spectrum of contaminants, both organic and inorganic,
including dyes, suspended and dissolved solids, and toxic
metals. Scientists are diligently pioneering innovative
methods for purifying textile wastewater through post-
treatment processes before its release into aquatic
ecosystems. Commonly employed methods encompass
coagulation-flocculation, adsorption, and membrane
filtration. However, the operation of Effluent Treatment
Plants (ETPs) using these methods can escalate costs due
to the procurement of essential chemicals. A sustainable
and cost-effective avenue emerges by leveraging
agricultural byproducts as adsorbents in wastewater
treatment. This review article is focused on the
purification of textile wastewater using modified rice
byproducts, such as husk, husk ash, and straws, as
adsorbents.
Keywords:- Water, Dyes, Environment, Textile, Rice Husk.
wastewater into natural water bodies can inflict detrimental
consequences, altering water colour, impeding the
photosynthesis of aquatic plants, and depleting dissolved
oxygen levels. Moreover, human contact with contaminated
water can result in skin irritations, allergies, and even
cancer.
Given these dire repercussions, the post-treatment of
textile wastewater has emerged as a pivotal realm of
scientific inquiry. The suitability of rice byproducts, such as
husk and straws, for the adsorption of dyes and other
pollutants in water, is underscored by their rich cellulose
content and unique chemical composition (comprising
32.24% cellulose, 21.34% hemicellulose, 21.44% lignin,
1.82% extractives, 8.11% water, and 15.05% mineral ash).
Additionally, the abundance of rice-based waste in nature
serves to curtail post-treatment expenses in comparison to
chemical-based processes. Furthermore, the biodegradable
nature of rice waste positions it as an ecologically sound
solution for cleansing textile wastewater.
II. TRADITIONAL DYE ADSORPTION
METHODS

I. INTRODUCTION  Precipitation and Coagulation

While Earth's water resources appear abundant, a mere
fraction is pristine and potable. To put it in perspective, a
staggering 99.7% of the world's water comprises
undrinkable oceans and ice caps. The remaining 0.03%
exists in rivers, canals, ponds, lakes (surface water), and
underground reservoirs. Within the Textile Industry,
particularly in the wet processing of fabrics, the primary
water source is deep well water, typically located around
500 meters below the surface. This choice stems from its
low organic and inorganic impurity content compared to
subsoil or surface water. Deep well water requires minimal
treatment before use in wet processing, rendering it cost-
effective and the favoured option for industry stakeholders.
Chemical coagulants or precipitants are added to the
wastewater to form flocs(bacteria). These flocs trap and
bind dye molecules, which can then be separated through
sedimentation or filtration.
 Activated Carbon Adsorption
Activated carbon is a widely-used adsorbent. Its high
surface area and porous structure make it effective at
adsorbing dye molecules from wastewater.
 Ion Exchange Resins
Ion exchange resins can selectively remove dye ions by
exchanging them with other ions present in the resin. This
method is suitable for removing specific types of dyes.

Water plays a pivotal role as a solvent in dyeing  Biological Treatment

processes, facilitating the migration of dyes and chemicals
onto fabrics. Despite the adsorption of a portion of dye by
the fabric during dyeing, a substantial quantity of dyes, salts,
and organic and inorganic compounds persists in the water,
leading to contamination. Unchecked discharge of this
Some traditional methods involve the use of
microorganisms to biodegrade dyes. While effective, this
process can be slow and requires specific environmental
conditions.

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 Volume 8, Issue 10, October – 2023
 Physical Adsorption
Traditional adsorbents like clay minerals or
diatomaceous earth can physically adsorb dye molecules
onto their surfaces.
 Filtration
Techniques such as sand filtration or membrane
filtration physically remove dye particles from wastewater.
III. LACKINGS OF TRADITIONAL METHOD:
 Activated Carbon
Traditional methods often involve the use of activated
carbon as an adsorbent. While activated carbon is highly
effective, it can be expensive to produce and purchase.
 Chemical Precipitation
Traditional methods may include chemical
precipitation to remove dyes from wastewater. This method
can generate large volumes of sludge and require careful
handling of chemicals.
 Biological Treatment
Some textile wastewater treatment methods use
biological processes, like biodegradation by
microorganisms. This can be effective but might require
longer treatment times and specific environmental
conditions.
 Ion Exchange
Ion exchange resins are another traditional method.
These resins can be costly, and their regeneration and
disposal can pose challenges.
 Filtration
Traditional filtration methods, like sand or membrane
filtration, remove particles but might not be as effective in
removing dissolved dyes.
 Energy Consumption
Some traditional methods, such as advanced oxidation
processes, can consume significant energy, increasing
operational costs.
IV. WHAT IS RICE HUSK
Rice husk, the outer layer of rice grains, is a valuable
agricultural byproduct. It is a natural waste product
generated during rice milling. Despite being discarded
traditionally, it has gained significance due to its diverse
applications. Rice husk is a rich source of silica, making it
valuable in industries like construction and manufacturing.
It's also used as fuel in some regions, contributing to
renewable energy production. Moreover, rice husk can be
processed into biodegradable materials and used as an
ingredient in animal feed. Its versatility and eco-friendly
qualities make rice husk an essential resource in various
industries, promoting sustainable practices.
IJISRT23OCT271 www.ijisrt.com
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
A. Rice Husk Mechanism as Absorbents
 Direct Application
This method involves using rice husk in its natural
form. It can be ground or powdered to an appropriate size
and added directly to the textile wastewater for adsorption.
However, direct application may have limitations in terms
of adsorption capacity compared to treated rice husk.
 Chemical Treatment
Treating rice husk with chemicals, such as sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) or phosphoric acid (H3PO4), can
increase its adsorption capacity. Chemical activation creates
a more porous structure, enhancing the ability to adsorb
dyes and other contaminants.
 Thermal Activation
Heating rice husk at high temperatures in the absence
of oxygen (pyrolysis) can produce rice husk biochar. This
biochar has a highly porous structure, making it an efficient
adsorbent for textile wastewater treatment.
 Composite Materials
Rice husk can be combined with other materials, such
as polymers or clays, to create composite adsorbents. These
composites often exhibit improved adsorption properties and
stability.
B. Advantages of Rice Husk Adsorption
 Sustainability
Rice husk is an agricultural waste product readily
available in many regions. Using it as an adsorbent is an
environmentally friendly approach that repurposes waste
material.
 Low Cost
Rice husk is cost-effective compared to some
traditional adsorbents, such as activated carbon. This can be
especially important for textile industries seeking cost-
efficient wastewater treatment solutions.
 Abundance
Rice husk is abundantly available in rice-producing
areas, reducing transportation costs and environmental
impact.
 Renewability
As an agricultural byproduct, rice husk is a renewable
resource, contributing to sustainability.
V. LIMITATIONS OF USING RICE HUSK AS AN
ADSORBENT FOR TEXTILE WASTEWATER
 Adsorption Capacity
While rice husk is effective for adsorption, its capacity
may be limited compared to other adsorbents like activated
carbon. This means larger quantities of rice husk might be
required for extensive treatment.
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 Volume 8, Issue 10, October – 2023
 Particle Size and Purity
The efficiency of rice husk adsorption can depend on
the particle size and purity of the husk. Smaller particles and
impurities can reduce their adsorption capacity.
 Regeneration
While rice husk can be regenerated and reused, the
regeneration process can be energy and resource-intensive,
potentially offsetting its eco-friendliness.
 Specificity
Rice husk may not be as selective as other adsorbents.
It may not effectively remove certain types of dyes or
contaminants, requiring additional treatment steps.
 Competing Ions
The presence of competing ions in wastewater, such as
salts, can reduce the effectiveness of rice husk adsorption by
blocking adsorption sites.
 Ph Dependency
The pH of the wastewater can impact the adsorption
efficiency of rice husks. Adjusting the pH to an optimal
range may be necessary for effective adsorption.
VI. FUTURE PROBABLE SCOPE OF RESEARCH:
 Enhancing Adsorption Capacity
Future research could focus on improving the
adsorption capacity of rice husk through methods like
chemical modification, hybrid adsorbents, or developing
new activation techniques.
 Regeneration Efficiency
Finding more efficient and sustainable methods for
regenerating rice husk after adsorption could make it an
even more attractive option.
 Selective Adsorption
Research could target the development of rice husk-
based adsorbents with higher specificity for certain dye
types or contaminants, expanding its applicability.
 Wastewater Pre-treatment
Investigating pre-treatment techniques to remove
interfering ions or substances before rice husk adsorption
could enhance its performance.
 Scale-Up Studies
Conduct scale-up studies to assess the practicality and
cost-effectiveness of using rice husk in industrial-scale
textile wastewater treatment.
 Combined Methods
Exploring the integration of rice husk adsorption with
other treatment methods like biological degradation or
advanced oxidation for comprehensive wastewater
treatment.
IJISRT23OCT271 www.ijisrt.com
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Environmental Impact Assessment
Evaluating the overall environmental impact of using
rice husk as an adsorbent, considering factors like energy
consumption and waste generation during regeneration.
 Resource Management
Research into sustainable rice husk sourcing and
management to ensure a consistent supply for water
treatment applications.
VII. CONCLUSION
In the current era, marked by the urgency of addressing
climate change, it is imperative to remain vigilant about the
environmental ramifications of any process. Prioritizing
sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, with a
particular focus on environmentally friendly products, is
crucial. Rice byproducts, particularly rice husks, hold
significant promise as an alternative to conventional
methods. However, their practical application is fraught
with challenges and obstacles. Extensive research is
essential to surmount these drawbacks and unlock their
potential as optimal adsorbents for treating textile
wastewater.
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