The green filter: advanced regeneration techniques for tea leaf biosorbents in sustainable water treatment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54693/piche.05411Abstract
Spent tea leaves (STL), composed of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, have attracted attention as sustainable and cost-effective biosorbents for water purification. Their large surface area, high porosity, and diverse functional groups enable effective removal of dyes, heavy metals, and organic pollutants. STL presents a renewable alternative to traditional adsorbents such as activated carbon and shows strong potential for environmentally responsible wastewater treatment. However, practical reuse depends on efficient regeneration. This review analyzes various STL regeneration techniques, including acidic and basic treatments, thermal processing, solvent rinsing, electrochemical regeneration, and recovery using chelating agents. Each method is evaluated based on recovery rate, cost, energy demand, and environmental impact. Key challenges include declining adsorption efficiency over cycles, residual chemical buildup, structural deterioration, and high-energy consumption. The review also examines environmental and economic aspects through life cycle and financial feasibility analyses. Regulatory gaps and safety concerns highlight the need for standardized procedures before industrial use. Future directions include contaminant-specific regeneration strategies, biological enhancements, and the development of scalable, eco-friendly processes. STL holds promise for advancing sustainable water treatment, but further advancements are essential to overcome technical barriers and ensure successful commercial application.
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