Evaluation of Original and Enzyme-Modified Fique Fibers as an Azo Dye Biosorbent Material

Abstract

As natural fibers, low-cost biosorbents have proven to be an effective and clean tool to remove textile dyes from wastewater. In this research, the Reactive Black 5 removal ability of original and enzyme-modified natural fibers were assessed. A fiber extracted from a Colombian fique plant (Furcraea sp.) was employed. The effects of fique fiber protonation with different solvents and dye solution pH on RB5 removal were evaluated. The biosorbent chemical composition was modified using the commercial enzymes pectinase, ligninase, and xylanase. The point of zero charge (PZC) of the original and modified material was measured, and the dye removal capacity of the three enzyme-modified fibers was determined. Fiber protonation with 0.1 M HCl and a dye solution with pH of 2.4 increased the RB5 elimination to 49.1%. The change in the fiber chemical composition led to a reduction in the PZC from 5.5 to a 4.7–4.9 range. Pectinase-pretreated fique fibers presented the highest dye removal of 66.29%, representing a 36% increase in RB5 dye removal. Although the original fique fiber showed RB5 dye removal ability, its enzymatic modification changed the charge distribution on the fiber surface, improving the capture of dye molecules. Enzyme modification can be applied to obtain new functionalities for plant fibers as biosorbent materials.

Exploring the Potential of Fique Fiber as a Natural Composite Material: A Comprehensive Characterization Study

“…Although the physical, mechanical, and textile characteristics of the fique fiber do not allow it to access the main application of cotton fiber, such as the manufacturing of clothing, it could be evaluated in the manufacture of other products, such as footwear, upholstery, or household clothing such as curtains, upholstery, mattresses, or comforters [ 63 , 111 ]…”

“…Although the physical, mechanical, and textile characteristics of the fique fiber do not allow it to access the main application of cotton fiber, such as the manufacturing of clothing, it could be evaluated in the manufacture of other products, such as footwear, upholstery, or household clothing such as curtains, upholstery, mattresses, or comforters [63,111] The mechanical characteristics of natural fibers are decisive in the quality of the products that include them in the textile industry. Properties such as tensile strength and maximum strain at break or fiber stiffness are relevant at different process stages.…”