Optimized Bioremediation of Methyl Orange Dye and Pathogenic Bacteria from Wastewater Using Pomegranate Peel: Antibacterial and Adsorption Studies | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Chemistry | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 26 August 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.377884.11705 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Esraa Awad1; A. M. Abdelghany2, 3; Ashraf Elsayed1 | ||
| 1Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Elgomhouria St., Mansoura 35516, Egypt. | ||
| 2Spectroscopy Department, Physics Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 ElBehouth St., Dokki, Giza 12311, Egypt | ||
| 3Basic Science Department, Horus University, International Coastal Road, New Damietta, KafrSaad, Damietta, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study investigated the dual functionality of pomegranate peel (PP) as a low-cost biosorbent and antimicrobial agent for treating industrial wastewater contaminated with methyl orange (MO) dye and pathogenic bacteria. Experimental work optimized the process through three key routes: (1) antibacterial assays of acetone, ethanol-acid, and aqueous PP extracts against B. cereus, E. coli, and S. aureus via agar well diffusion and MIC determination; (2) dye adsorption and bacterial removal studies using dry PP powder, with removal efficiency quantified by UV-Vis spectroscopy; (3) statistical optimization of dye removal via Central Composite Design (CCD) to model interaction between pH (2-9), contact time (20-120 min), adsorbent concentration (0.1-0.5 g/L), and dye concentration (2-8 ppm). Results demonstrated highest dye removal percentages of 93% at optimal conditions of 120 min contact time, pH of 9, adsorbent conc. of 0.1 g/L and dye conc of 2 ppm. (4) statistical optimization of bacterial removal via CCD to model interactions between adsorbent dose (0–1.18 g/L) and contact time (20–360 min). Results demonstrated that acetone extracts exhibited the highest antibacterial activity (inhibition zones: 9–22 mm), while dry PP achieved 48% MO removal at optimal conditions (1 g/L, 240 min), attributed to polyphenol-mediated adsorption and bacterial membrane disruption. The integrated approach highlights PP’s potential for simultaneous pollutant removal and disinfection in wastewater treatment, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical methods. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| bioremediation; methyl orange; pomegranate peel; antibacterial; S. aureus | ||
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