In the world of citrus fruits, oranges represent rejuvenation and liveliness. Besides being juicy, sweet, and nutritious, oranges also have a hidden gem inside their peel, which is often overlooked.
A study by Associate Professor Dr Low Wen Pei and her dedicated team from INTI International University’s Faculty of Engineering and Quantity Surveying (FEQS) found that the humble orange peel takes centre stage in the battle against Malaysia’s mounting water pollution crisis. Beyond its zest and taste, the orange peel has proven to be an environmentally friendly powerhouse, effectively eliminating hazardous heavy metal ions from water sources.
Driven by the challenges posed by rapid population growth and industrialisation, her collaborative research, titled “Removal of Copper, Chromium, and Nickel Ions from aqueous solution by using different pre-treated orange peel,” addresses the dire effects of heavy metal contaminants, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni).
Dr. Low Wen Pei emphasized the urgency of their research, stating, “Our work is a response to the severe water pollution crisis in Malaysia caused by rapid population growth and industrialisation. This condition poses significant threats to our population’s health and economic status. Heavy metal pollutants from urbanisation and industrial activities, such as cadmium, chromium, copper, and others, can form harmful complexes with organic compounds, releasing toxins that threaten organisms and the environment.”
With water pollution reaching critical levels, the study’s findings shed light on the potential of orange peels as a potent adsorbent for removing hazardous heavy metal ions from water sources. Dr. Low Wen Pei and her team’s research aims to provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to safeguard the population’s health and preserve the nation’s economic well-being.
The research demonstrates the prowess of orange peel in removing heavy metal ions from water, with NaOH-treated orange peels as an exceptionally efficient adsorbent. This groundbreaking discovery addresses the urgent need for innovative water treatment methods and aligns seamlessly with global sustainability efforts.
Using orange peel as a natural adsorbent offers substantial benefits to society. Beyond providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for treating water contaminated by heavy metal pollutants, this breakthrough technology can potentially revolutionise wastewater treatment methods. It ensures cleaner and safer water sources for communities, addressing a critical need in the face of escalating environmental challenges. The abundance of orange peel waste globally positions it as a readily available and sustainable resource, fostering a more environmentally conscious approach to water management. This innovative research aligns perfectly with global efforts towards sustainability, highlighting the pivotal role academia plays in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Dr. Low Wen Pei commented, “Our research represents a significant advancement in addressing the urgent problem of heavy metal contaminants causing water pollution. Orange peel, an abundant and often overlooked resource, has proven to be a remarkably effective and sustainable solution for water treatment. We believe our findings could pave the way for eco-friendly and cost-effective methods to safeguard our water sources.”
In conclusion, Dr. Low Wen Pei affirms, “Our research establishes orange peel as a remarkable adsorbent choice, boasting high adsorption capacity, eco-friendly characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. The findings open avenues for further exploration of natural waste materials in wastewater treatment, heralding a new era in sustainable water management.”
Associate Professor Dr Low Wen Pei and her team from the Faculty of Engineering and Quantity Surveying at INTI International University have found that orange peel can be used as an environmentally friendly solution to remove hazardous heavy metal ions from water sources.