Browsing by Author "Kichoncho, Francis"

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    Characterization of functionalized carbon dots derived from banana peels for enhanced adsorption of anionic dyes from textile waste water.
    (Busitema University, 2026) Kichoncho, Francis
    Freshwater contamination from textile effluents remains a major environmental challenge due to the persistence of synthetic reactive dyes. In this study, ethylenediamine-functionalized carbon dots (EDA-CDs) were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal process using banana peel biomass and evaluated for adsorption of anionic reactive dyes. A full factorial experimental design was employed to investigate the effects of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time on dye removal efficiency Characterization techniques (FTIR, XRD, and SEM) indicated the formation of amorphous nitrogen-doped carbon nanostructures containing abundant surface functional groups. Adsorption performance reached a maximum removal efficiency of 91.89% under optimized conditions. ANOVA results revealed that contact time was the most significant factor influencing adsorption, followed by initial dye concentration and adsorbent dosage (p < 0.05). Kinetic data fitted best with the pseudo-second-order model (R² = 93.4%), indicating surface-controlled adsorption, while Langmuir isotherm provided a better equilibrium fit than Freundlich, suggesting monolayer adsorption on homogeneous sites. The study demonstrates that banana peel-derived EDA-functionalized carbon dots are efficient, low-cost, and sustainable adsorbents for reactive dye removal and offer strong potential for wastewater treatment applications.