Exploring the Efficacy of Crab Shell-based Biochar for Adsorptive Uptake of Bromocresol Purple Dye in a Textile Wastewater: Kinetics and Mechanistic Studies

Authors

  • Julius N. Ndive Department of Chemical Engineering, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Anambra State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8584-8366
  • Okechukwu D. Onukwuli Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
  • Ifeoma A. Obiora-okafo Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
  • Somtochukwu G. Nnabuife Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4050-5375
  • Boyu Kuang Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1828-7663

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15377/2409-5818.2025.12.5

Keywords:

Biochar, Adsorption, Wastewater, FTIR and kinetics.

Abstract

High-quality adsorbent derived from Crab Shell Activated Biochar (Fe₂O₃@BC) was effectively synthesised from discarded crab shells (CS) for the adsorptive elimination of Bromocresol purple colour (BCP) from textile wastewater. The structure of crab shell biochar (CSB) and crab shell activated biochar (CSAB) was looked at using SEM, and the light properties of the samples made from CSAB were checked with FTIR. The characterisation results suggested that the extracted chitin exhibited substantial properties necessary for surface phenomenon-driven matrices. This study looked at how well crab shell activated biochar and crab shell biochar can remove Bromocresol Purple (BCP) dye from water, finding that CSAB works better than CSB. The adsorption tests were conducted at varying pH levels, varied adsorbent doses, temperatures, and contact durations in batch trials. The kinetic analysis demonstrates that the removal efficiency was optimal according to the pseudo-second. The Weber–Morris intraparticle-diffusion analysis identified three operative adsorption sites. This low-cost crabshell-activated biochar, characterised by its advanced pore structure, distinctive surface properties, and superior adsorption capabilities, has the potential to function as an effective adsorbent for dye removal in textile effluent.

Author Biography

  • Boyu Kuang, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom

    Dr. Boyu Kuang is a research fellow in Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence at Cranfield University, affiliated with the Centre for Computational Engineering Sciences. He is currently involved in the UKRI, ATI, and Airbus-funded ONEHeart project, which addresses challenges in autonomous systems and advanced technologies for aviation applications. Since publishing his first paper in the autumn of 2021, Dr. Kuang has built an impressive research record, with over 450 citations, an h-index of 10, and 10 i10-index publications within just three years. His 23 high-impact publications, including 14 in JCR Q1 journals, have appeared in leading venues such as IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, Expert Systems with Applications, and the Chemical Engineering Journal. These achievements highlight his growing influence in artificial intelligence, robotics, and engineering research.

    Dr. Kuang’s expertise spans deep learning, weak and self-supervised learning, semantic segmentation, target detection, 3D reconstruction, multi-modal data fusion, and domain adaptation. His research focuses on tackling real-world challenges in areas such as aviation maintenance, renewable energy systems, and intelligent robotics. His work aims to advance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of industrial systems through innovative AI-driven solutions and interdisciplinary approaches.

    Committed to collaboration, Dr. Kuang has worked with renowned institutions, including Stanford University, King’s College London (KCL), and the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC), as well as global industry leaders such as Airbus, Leidos, and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT). These collaborations ensure that his research remains closely aligned with the needs of academia and industry, addressing critical technological and sustainability challenges.

    In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Kuang plays an active role in academic leadership. As the module lead for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Cranfield University, he combines theoretical depth with practical relevance to provide students with the skills required for industry and research. He has also demonstrated his commitment to advancing the field through peer review, having reviewed 59 manuscripts for 15 prestigious journals, including IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics and Neural Networks. His contributions as a session chair at international conferences further reflect his leadership in fostering scholarly exchange and innovation.

    Dr. Kuang is a member of IEEE and other professional organisations, demonstrating his active engagement with the academic and industrial communities. Supported by Cranfield University's state-of-the-art facilities, including the Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) and the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC), he is well-positioned to drive advancements in AI, robotics, and intelligent systems.

    Through his interdisciplinary work, Dr. Kuang is committed to developing transformative solutions that address key challenges in automation, intelligent systems, and sustainability. Leveraging his expertise and Cranfield University's strengths in aerospace and engineering, he continues to advance technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve safety across industries. Dr. Kuang welcomes collaboration opportunities with academic and industrial partners and invites inquiries from prospective PhD students interested in contributing to impactful research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and engineering applications.

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Published

2025-12-10

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Vol. 12 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Julius N. Ndive, Okechukwu D. Onukwuli, Ifeoma A. Obiora-okafo, Somtochukwu G. Nnabuife, Boyu Kuang

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Exploring the Efficacy of Crab Shell-based Biochar for Adsorptive Uptake of Bromocresol Purple Dye in a Textile Wastewater: Kinetics and Mechanistic Studies. Glob. J. Energy. Technol. Res. Updates. [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 10 [cited 2026 Mar. 4];12:61-75. Available from: https://avanti-journals.com/index.php/gjetru/article/view/1641

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