Utilizing Nut Shells to Combat Pollution

Nut shells, including those from pistachios, walnuts, coconuts, and peanuts, have garnered interest as low-cost, efficient adsorbents for removing pollutants from water, soil and air.

Many nut shells have a high surface area, and a porous structure, making them effective at adsorbing a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, dyes, and organic compounds.

This natural application is especially relevant in the context of environmental sustainability and pollution control.

Here’s a brief overview of the scientific research done on using nut shells as adsorbents for pollution:

A metaphorical illustration portraying three giant nut shells symbolizing their environmental potential: air purification, water treatment, and soil enhancement.

01. Heavy Metal Removal

Nut shells have been investigated for their capacity to remove heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and chromium, from water. The mechanism involves the adsorption of these metal ions onto the surface of the nut shell material.

Research done by Sattar (2020) effectively proves that a novel hybrid biosorbent (of Almond shell and Pleurotus sajor caju) removes nickel and lead from wastewater.