Citrus limon peel-based biosynthesis: Lead oxide, zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, and copper oxide nano quantum dots for subtraction of anionic Actas Pink dye (AAPD)

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ABSTRACT Adsorption is a highly effective method for wastewater quality adjustment, offering advantages such as low cost and availability of adsorbents. This study investigates the efficient removal of Anionic Actas Pink dye (AAPD), a major contributor to environmental pollution. Green adsorbents including lead oxide (PbO), zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium oxide (CdO), and copper oxide (CuO) were synthesized via eco-friendly routes for AAPD removal. Maximum adsorption capacities (qe) were observed at pH 7 (PbO, ZnO, CdO) and pH 2 (CuO and native) with values of 83.83 mg/g at 100 ppm, 75.65 mg/g at 100 ppm, 70.50 mg/g 75 ppm, 61.21 mg/g at 150 ppm, and 52.69 mg/g at 150 ppm, respectively, using an adsorbent dose of 0.05 g/50 mL at temperature of 37°C, and 90 min contact time. Adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm for all adsorbents except native, with PbO also fitting Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms. Kinetics adsorption data supported pseudo-second-order, while thermodynamic analysis indicated spontaneous and exothermic nature. Effects of electrolytes, surfactants, and desorption were also evaluated. Characterization through FTIR, SEM, and XRD confirmed the morphology and functional groups of these nano-quantum dots. Citrus limon peel-based biosynthesis offers sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternatives, highlighting their potential for dye adsorption.