Mitigating environmental pollution by methyl orange via effective adsorption using modified layered double hydroxide

Global concerns surrounding environmental pollution have led to the development and evaluation of a sustainable, low-cost composite sorbent named LDH–AC. This composite sorbent is created by modifying layered double hydroxide (LDH) with activated carbon (AC) for the efficient removal of methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solutions.

The study aims to address the pressing global challenge of textile wastewater pollution caused by azo dyes, with methyl orange being one prominent example. Methyl orange, a highly toxic and refractory synthetic azo dye, is widely used in textiles, printing, medicines, cosmetics, and food industries. Its release into wastewater threatens microbial communities and poses significant environmental risks due to its inability to break down in the environment and accumulation in water sources.

Various treatment methods have shown promise in dealing with organic contaminants, but their drawbacks necessitate further enhancement of existing methodologies, investigation of novel materials, and integration of different approaches for sustainable dye elimination. Adsorption is a well-known, effective, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective method for removing organic dyes from water.

The success of this approach relies heavily on the choice of suitable adsorbent materials, which can be achieved through effective synthesis or modification processes. Adding support materials to adsorbents to form composites can significantly improve their adsorption capacity, selectivity, stability, and reusability, thus increasing their potential for dye removal applications.