AISWARYA SANTOSH

FARZAN FAROOQUE P
 

KEERTHANA LAKSHMI C

 ASHIK K V

Efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment is essential to address the growing environmental challenges caused by water pollution. This project investigates the effectiveness of a novel adsorbent blend of rice husk and zeolite for treating municipal wastewater obtained from a local treatment plant. Rice husk, an abundant agricultural byproduct, serves as an eco-friendly and cost-effective material, while zeolite, a natural aluminosilicate mineral, is well known for its ion-exchange and adsorption properties. The synergy of these two materials enhances the removal of contaminants such as heavy metals, organic pollutants, and dyes commonly present in wastewater. The study evaluates adsorption capacity, kinetics, and overall efficiency of the rice husk–zeolite combination under varying conditions of pH, temperature, and contact time, with adsorption mechanisms analyzed using established kinetic models. Preliminary results reveal that rice husk achieved a 97.54% removal efficiency, particularly effective in reducing organic contaminants, while zeolite exhibited 99.47% efficiency, excelling in heavy metal and ion exchange removal. Remarkably, the combined adsorbent achieved 100% removal efficiency, proving superior to conventional methods. Beyond its treatment efficiency, the use of rice husk also addresses agricultural waste disposal issues, adding a sustainable dimension to the process. This innovative approach demonstrates that hybrid adsorbent systems like rice husk and zeolite offer a low-cost, highly effective, and eco-friendly wastewater treatment solution. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating sustainable materials into wastewater management strategies, paving the way for broader applications in mitigating water pollution, conserving resources, and ensuring a sustainable future.

Keywords: Zeolite, Rice Husk, Wastewater Treatment