Description:Field of the Invention

Generally, the present disclosure relates to water purification technologies. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to system for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal from water.
Background
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Water purification remains a critical concern across the globe, especially in regions afflicted by waterborne contaminants such as fluoride. Excessive fluoride in water sources can lead to various health issues, including dental and skeletal fluorosis. Traditional methods for removing contaminants from water have relied on various chemical, physical, and biological processes. Among these, adsorption has emerged as a promising technique due to its efficiency and simplicity. Activated carbon, alumina, and other synthetic materials have commonly been used as adsorbents. However, the quest for more sustainable and effective materials has led to the exploration of biobased adsorbents such as nanocellulose fibres.
Nanocellulose fibres derived from plant sources, offers a high surface area and excellent mechanical properties, making it an ideal candidate for adsorption applications. Its production typically involves the mechanical and chemical treatment of cellulose to break them down into nanomaterial. Recent advancements have focused on utilizing agricultural waste as a raw material for nanocellulose production, presenting an eco-friendly solution that also addresses waste management issues. The process begins with the mechanical grinding of agricultural waste, transforming it into a particulate form suitable for chemical treatments.
Following mechanical processing, the particulate waste undergoes alkaline treatment, a critical step in modifying the chemical structure of cellulose to facilitate its breakdown into nanoscale fibers. This step not only enhances the material's adsorptive properties but also aids in its subsequent processing. After alkaline treatment, the material is subjected to filtration to remove impurities and separate the chemically treated waste. Adjusting the pH through neutralization is then necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the process, preparing the material for further treatment.
Bleaching, another crucial step, is employed to whiten the product, improving its purity and aesthetic appeal. The process does not stop here; acid hydrolysis follows, offering further chemical modification to enhance the adsorptive capacity of the nanocellulose fibers. A second round of filtration ensures the removal of any remaining impurities, leading to a product that is nearly ready for application. The final grinding step refines the chemically treated material into nanocellulose fibers, which exhibit superior adsorptive properties ideal for the removal of fluoride and other contaminants from water.
Despite the promise shown by nanocellulose and similar materials, challenges remain in optimizing their production and application. Issues such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and the efficiency of the adsorption process need to be addressed. Moreover, the environmental impact of the production process and the long-term sustainability of using agricultural waste as a raw material are subjects of ongoing research.
In light of the above discussion, there exists an urgent need for solutions that overcome the problems associated with conventional systems and/or techniques for water purification, especially in terms of sustainability, efficiency, and the effective removal of fluoride. The development of a system for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste represents a significant step forward, offering an eco-friendly and potentially cost-effective approach to improving water quality and public health.

Summary
Generally, the present disclosure relates to water purification technologies. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal from water.
The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects of this disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application.
A system has been developed for the development of nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste, specifically designed for the removal of fluoride from water sources. The system comprises several modules, each responsible for a distinct phase in the transformation of agricultural waste into nanocellulose fibers with enhanced adsorptive properties. The initial stage involves a grinding module where agricultural waste is processed into particulate form.
In this method for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal encompasses the grinding of agricultural waste into fine particles, followed by subjecting said ground waste to an alkaline treatment. The treated waste is then filtered, and the pH of the treated waste is neutralized. After neutralization, the product undergoes a bleaching process, which is then followed by acid hydrolysis. The hydrolyzed product is filtered to remove impurities, and the purified product is finely ground to produce nanocellulose fibers. These fibers exhibit a large surface area and porosity, making them highly efficient for fluoride adsorption.
The nanocellulose fibers are characterized by their enhanced adsorptive properties, making them highly suitable for the removal of fluoride from water sources. Each module within the system plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient conversion of waste material into an environmentally friendly and effective adsorbent for water purification applications. Through this innovative approach, not only is agricultural waste valorized, but a sustainable solution to the challenge of fluoride contamination in water is also provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The features and advantages of the present disclosure would be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a system for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal from water, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates a method for preparing nanocellulose fibre, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 illustrates preparation of cotton nanocellulose (NC) fiber and groundnut nanocellulose (NC) fiber, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 illustrates powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) of cotton nanocellulose (NC) and groundnut NC at wide-angle diffractions, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 (FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D
) illustrates scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of cotton nanocellulose (NC) fibre and groundnut NC fibre, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of cotton nanocellulose (NC) fibre and groundnut NC fibre, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 portrays the effectiveness of fluoride elimination from water using cotton nanocellulose (NC) fiber and groundnut nanocellulose (NC) fiber over varying reaction times: 30, 60, 90, and 180 minutes, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to claim those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
Generally, the present disclosure relates to water purification technologies. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal from water.
Pursuant to the "Detailed Description" section herein, whenever an element is explicitly associated with a specific numeral for the first time, such association shall be deemed consistent and applicable throughout the entirety of the "Detailed Description" section, unless otherwise expressly stated or contradicted by the context.
FIG. 1 illustrates a system (100) for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal from water, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, the system (100) comprises several modules designed for processing agricultural waste through various chemical and physical treatments to produce nanocellulose fibers with enhanced adsorptive properties for the removal of fluoride from water.
In the method, a grinding module (102) is provided for processing the agricultural waste into a particulate form. Said grinding module (102) is responsible for reducing the size of the agricultural waste to facilitate further chemical treatments. By converting the agricultural waste into smaller particles, the efficiency of subsequent treatments is significantly increased.
In the method, an alkaline treatment module (104) is included for chemically treating the ground agricultural waste. Such alkaline treatment module (104) employs alkaline solutions to break down the lignin and hemicellulose present in the agricultural waste. The chemical treatment aids in exposing the cellulose fibers, which are essential for the production of nanocellulose fibers.
In the method, a filtration module (106) is employed for separating the chemically treated waste. Said filtration module (106) removes the solubilized lignin and hemicellulose from the mixture, leaving behind the cellulose fibers. The filtration process is critical for ensuring the purity of the cellulose fibers prior to further processing.
In the method, a neutralization module (108) is utilized for adjusting the pH of the treated waste. Such neutralization module (108) brings the pH of the mixture to a neutral level, which is necessary for the subsequent bleaching process. The adjustment of pH ensures that the cellulose fibers do not undergo undesirable chemical reactions during the bleaching process.
In the method, a bleaching module (110) is provided for whitening the product. Said bleaching module (110) uses bleaching agents to remove any remaining color from the cellulose fibers. The bleaching process not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the final product but also enhances its purity.
In the method, an acid hydrolysis module (112) is included for further chemical treatment. Such acid hydrolysis module (112) subjects the bleached cellulose fibers to acid hydrolysis, reducing the degree of polymerization and leading to the formation of nanocellulose fibers. The acid hydrolysis is a critical step in refining the cellulose fibers to nanoscale dimensions.
In the method, a second filtration module (114) is employed for purifying the hydrolyzed product. Said second filtration module (114) removes any residual chemicals and impurities from the hydrolyzed cellulose fibers. The purification process ensures that the final nanocellulose fibers are of high purity and suitable for use in fluoride removal from water.
In the method, a final grinding module (116) is utilized for refining the product into nanocellulose fibers with enhanced adsorptive properties. Such final grinding module (116) further reduces the size of the nanocellulose fibers, increasing their surface area and, consequently, their adsorptive capacity for fluoride ions. The enhanced adsorptive properties make the nanocellulose fibers an effective medium for the removal of fluoride from water.
In the method, the grinding module (102) is equipped with mechanical means for reducing the size of agricultural waste to fine particulate matter. The importance of achieving a fine particulate matter lies in its increased surface area, which significantly enhances the efficiency of subsequent chemical treatments. The reduction process involves the application of mechanical forces that crush, and grind the agricultural waste, breaking it down into smaller particles. This module serves as the initial step in the system (100) for producing nanocellulose fibers, preparing the raw agricultural waste for chemical and further physical modifications. The effectiveness of the grinding module (102) directly impacts the overall efficiency and efficacy of the nanocellulose fibreS production system (100) by ensuring that the agricultural waste is in the most suitable form for alkaline treatment.
In the method, the alkaline treatment module (104) utilizes a solution of sodium hydroxide for the chemical treatment of the agricultural waste. The use of sodium hydroxide in such module is instrumental in breaking down lignin and hemicellulose components, which are impurities that must be removed to expose and purify the cellulose fibers. The concentration of sodium hydroxide, along with the temperature and duration of the treatment, is carefully controlled to optimize the removal of these impurities while minimizing damage to the cellulose fibers. This chemical treatment not only facilitates the extraction of cellulose fibers but also enhances their reactivity by increasing their surface area. The alkaline treatment module (104) is therefore crucial in the preparation of agricultural waste for subsequent processes aimed at producing nanocellulose fibers with desirable properties for water treatment applications.
In the method, the filtration module (106) includes a mesh or membrane capable of separating solid and liquid phases after alkaline treatment. Such mesh or membrane is selected based on its ability to effectively remove the solubilized lignin and hemicellulose, as well as any other soluble impurities, from the cellulose fibers. The separation process is critical to ensuring that the cellulose fibers are free from contaminants that could hinder the effectiveness of the nanocellulose fibers in fluoride removal. The choice of mesh or membrane, including its material and pore size, is determined by the specific characteristics of the treated agricultural waste and the requirements for the purity of the cellulose fibers. The filtration module (106) plays a pivotal role in purifying the cellulose fibers, making it a vital component of the system (100) for producing nanocellulose fibers.
In the method, the neutralization module (108) uses an acid solution to neutralize the alkaline-treated agricultural waste. The introduction of an acid solution into such module is essential for adjusting the pH of the treated waste to a neutral or slightly acidic level, which is necessary for the subsequent bleaching process. The type and concentration of the acid solution are carefully selected to ensure effective neutralization without damaging the cellulose fibers. The neutralization process not only prepares the cellulose fibers for bleaching but also prevents any adverse reactions that could occur if the fibers were exposed to bleaching agents while still in an alkaline state. Therefore, the neutralization module (108) is indispensable in the preparation of cellulose fibers for further processing.
In the method, the bleaching module (110) includes a hydrogen peroxide solution for the whitening process. The use of oxidising agent in such module is effective in removing any remaining color from the cellulose fibers, resulting in a white product that is more aesthetically pleasing and indicative of a high level of purity. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the conditions under which the bleaching process is conducted are optimized to achieve maximum whitening without compromising the integrity of the cellulose fibers. This process is essential not only for the appearance of the final product but also for enhancing its purity and effectiveness in fluoride removal applications. The bleaching module (110) thus plays a crucial role in the aesthetic and functional preparation of the nanocellulose fibers.
In the method, the acid hydrolysis module (112) applies sulfuric acid for the breakdown of agricultural waste into smaller cellulose fibers. The application of sulfuric acid in such module is critical for reducing the degree of polymerization of the cellulose, resulting in the formation of nanocellulose fibers. The concentration of sulfuric acid, along with the reaction conditions, is meticulously controlled to achieve the desired reduction in size while preserving the structural integrity of the cellulose fibers. This process not only produces nanocellulose fibers of the required dimensions but also enhances their adsorptive properties, making them more effective in fluoride removal. The acid hydrolysis module (112) is therefore fundamental in the production of nanocellulose fibers with the desired properties for water treatment applications.
In the method, the second filtration module (114) employs a fine-pore filter for achieving high purity in the hydrolyzed product. The selection of a fine-pore filter in such module is based on its ability to remove any residual chemicals and impurities from the hydrolyzed cellulose fibers, ensuring that the final product is of the highest purity. The fine-pore filter is chosen to match the specific requirements of the nanocellulose fibers, including their size and the desired level of purity. This filtration process is vital for ensuring that the nanocellulose fibers are suitable for their intended application in fluoride removal from water. Therefore, the second filtration module (114) is crucial for the production of high-quality nanocellulose fibers.
In the method, the final grinding module (116) is configured to process the bleached and hydrolyzed product into nanocellulose fibers of a specific diameter and length suitable for fluoride adsorption. The configuration of such module involves the use of advanced grinding techniques to achieve the precise dimensions required for optimal adsorptive properties. The final grinding process not only determines the size and shape of the nanocellulose fibers but also enhances their surface area, which is directly related to their effectiveness in fluoride removal. This final step in the production process is critical for ensuring that the nanocellulose fibers meet the specific requirements for their application in water treatment. Thus, the final grinding module (116) is essential for producing nanocellulose fibers with the enhanced adsorptive properties necessary for effective fluoride removal.
FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for preparing nanocellulose fibre, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. At step 202, grinding the agricultural waste into fine particles involves employing mechanical means such as hammer mills or ball mills to reduce the waste to a particulate form, enhancing the efficiency of subsequent chemical treatments. At step 204, subjecting the ground waste to an alkaline treatment involves the addition of a sodium hydroxide solution, facilitating the breakdown of lignin and hemicellulose, and exposing cellulose fibers for further processing. At step 206, filtering the treated waste entails using a mesh or membrane to separate the solid cellulose fibers from the liquid phase, removing solubilized lignin, hemicellulose, and other impurities. At step 208, neutralizing the pH of the treated waste involves adding an acid solution to adjust the pH to neutral, preparing the cellulose fibers for the bleaching process without damaging them. At step 210, bleaching the neutralized product uses hydrogen peroxide solution to whiten the cellulose fibers, removing any remaining color and enhancing the product's purity and aesthetic appeal. At step 212, performing acid hydrolysis on the bleached product involves treating the cellulose fibers with sulfuric acid and bleaching them down into nanocellulose fibers. At step 214, filtering the hydrolyzed product to remove impurities employs a fine-pore filter to purify the nanocellulose fibers, ensuring the removal of residual chemicals and enhancing the product's purity. At step 216, finely grinding the purified product to produce nanocellulose fibers with a large surface area and porosity involves utilizing advanced grinding techniques to achieve the desired dimensions and adsorptive properties for efficient fluoride removal.
FIG. 3 illustrates preparation of cotton nanocellulose (NC) fibre and groundnut nanocellulose (NC) fibre, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Initially, powder form of ground nutshells or cotton seed covers are subjected to an alkaline treatment, which likely involves a sodium hydroxide solution to facilitate the breakdown of organic compounds and expose the cellulose. Subsequent filtration removes the solubilized non-cellulosic substances, followed by a neutralization step that likely adjusts the pH using an acid solution, preparing the fibers for bleaching. The bleaching stage employs an oxidizing agent, possibly hydrogen peroxide, to whiten the fibers, enhancing their purity. This is followed by acid hydrolysis, potentially utilizing sulfuric acid, to further break down the fibers into nanocellulose. Another round of filtration ensures the removal of impurities, leading to a secondary bleaching step for additional whitening. The material then undergoes a final grinding process, yielding a fine nanocellulose fiber product, boasting increased surface area and porosity suitable for applications such as fluoride adsorption.
FIG. 4 illustrates powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) of cotton nanocellulose (NC) and groundnut NC at wide-angle diffractions, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The distinct peaks observed in the PXRD patterns correspond to specific planes of the crystalline cellulose, indicative of the degree of crystallinity and the type of cellulose present. The sharp peaks in the cotton NC's diffraction pattern suggest a higher crystallinity when compared to the groundnut NC, which displays broader peaks. The comparison of these diffraction patterns provides insight into the differences in structural organization and crystalline quality between cotton and groundnut derived nanocellulose, in line with the disclosed embodiments.
FIG. 5 (FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D) illustrates scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of cotton nanocellulose (NC) fibre and groundnut NC fibre, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. elaborate in 100 words. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B represent SEM images showing the surface morphology of cotton NC fibers, displaying a dense network and highly fibrillar structure, in contrast to groundnut NC fibers, which exhibit a rougher and less ordered surface. FIG. 5C and FIG 5D. represent TEM image revealing the internal ultrastructure of these fibers, where the high magnification captures the individual nanocellulose fibrils and their association within the fibers, highlighting the differences in crystallinity and fibre aggregation between the two sources.
FIG. 6 illustrates thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of cotton nanocellulose (NC) fibre and groundnut NC fibre, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The weight loss in nanocellulose fibers typically results from the rupture of hydroxyl groups and dehydration of hemicellulose. Both materials exhibit initial minor weight loss at lower temperatures due to moisture evaporation, followed by significant degradation at higher temperatures when thermal decomposition of the cellulose occurs. The curves indicate that cotton NC begins to degrade at a slightly lower temperature compared to groundnut NC, suggesting a difference in their thermal stability, which is a critical property for their application in various thermal environments.
FIG. 7 portrays the effectiveness of fluoride elimination from water using cotton nanocellulose (NC) fibre and groundnut nanocellulose (NC) fibre over varying reaction times: 30, 60, 90, and 180 minutes, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The assessment of fluoride removal efficiency reveals that GNF exhibits a consistently higher percentage of fluoride elimination across all intervals, starting at 79% at the 30-minute mark and gradually increasing to 90% at the end of 180 minutes. In comparison, CNF begins with a 75% removal rate at 30 minutes and incrementally reaches an 89% efficiency by 180 minutes. The data suggest that while both types of nanocellulose fibers are effective in fluoride adsorption, GNF displays marginally superior performance over the same durations. This difference could be attributable to variations in the physical or chemical structure between the two types of nanocellulose fibers, which impacts their adsorption kinetics and capacities for fluoride ions.
Example embodiments herein have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods and apparatuses. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively.
While several implementations have been described and illustrated herein, a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein may be utilized, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.

Claims

I/We claims:

A system (100) for development of nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal from water, comprising: a grinding module (102) for processing the agricultural waste into a particulate form; an alkaline treatment module (104) for chemically treating the ground agricultural waste; a filtration module (106) for separating the chemically treated waste; a neutralization module (108) for adjusting the pH of the treated waste; a bleaching module (110) for whitening the product; an acid hydrolysis module (112) for further chemical treatment; a second filtration module (114) for purifying the hydrolyzed product; and a final grinding module (116) for refining the product into nanocellulose fibers with enhanced adsorptive properties.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the grinding module (102) is equipped with mechanical means for reducing the size of the agricultural waste to a fine particulate matter.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the alkaline treatment module (104) utilizes a solution of sodium hydroxide for the chemical treatment of the agricultural waste.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the filtration module (106) includes a mesh or membrane capable of separating the solid and liquid phases after alkaline treatment.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the neutralization module (108) uses an acid solution to neutralize the alkaline-treated agricultural waste.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the bleaching module (110) includes a hydrogen peroxide solution for the whitening process.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the acid hydrolysis module (112) applies sulfuric acid for the breakdown of the agricultural waste into smaller cellulose fibers.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the second filtration module (114) employs a fine-pore filter for achieving high purity in the hydrolyzed product.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the final grinding module (116) is configured to process the bleached and hydrolyzed product into nanocellulose fibers of a specific diameter and length suitable for fluoride adsorption.
A method (200) for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal, comprising: grinding the agricultural waste into fine particles; subjecting the ground waste to an alkaline treatment; filtering the treated waste; neutralizing the pH of the treated waste; bleaching the neutralized product; performing acid hydrolysis on the bleached product; filtering the hydrolyzed product to remove impurities; & finely grinding the purified product to produce nanocellulose fibers with a large surface area and porosity for efficient fluoride adsorption.

SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING NANOCELLULOSE FIBERS FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE FOR FLUORIDE REMOVAL FROM WATER

The present disclosure provides a system for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal from water. The system comprises a grinding module for processing the agricultural waste into a particulate form; an alkaline treatment module for chemically treating the ground agricultural waste; a filtration module for separating the chemically treated waste; a neutralization module for adjusting the pH of the treated waste; a bleaching module for whitening the product; an acid hydrolysis module for further chemical treatment; a second filtration module for purifying the hydrolyzed product; and a final grinding module for refining the product into nanocellulose fibers with enhanced adsorptive properties.

Fig. 1
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FIG. 3
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FIG. 5

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FIG. 6
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FIG. 7

, Claims:I/We claims:

A system (100) for development of nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal from water, comprising: a grinding module (102) for processing the agricultural waste into a particulate form; an alkaline treatment module (104) for chemically treating the ground agricultural waste; a filtration module (106) for separating the chemically treated waste; a neutralization module (108) for adjusting the pH of the treated waste; a bleaching module (110) for whitening the product; an acid hydrolysis module (112) for further chemical treatment; a second filtration module (114) for purifying the hydrolyzed product; and a final grinding module (116) for refining the product into nanocellulose fibers with enhanced adsorptive properties.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the grinding module (102) is equipped with mechanical means for reducing the size of the agricultural waste to a fine particulate matter.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the alkaline treatment module (104) utilizes a solution of sodium hydroxide for the chemical treatment of the agricultural waste.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the filtration module (106) includes a mesh or membrane capable of separating the solid and liquid phases after alkaline treatment.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the neutralization module (108) uses an acid solution to neutralize the alkaline-treated agricultural waste.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the bleaching module (110) includes a hydrogen peroxide solution for the whitening process.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the acid hydrolysis module (112) applies sulfuric acid for the breakdown of the agricultural waste into smaller cellulose fibers.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the second filtration module (114) employs a fine-pore filter for achieving high purity in the hydrolyzed product.
The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the final grinding module (116) is configured to process the bleached and hydrolyzed product into nanocellulose fibers of a specific diameter and length suitable for fluoride adsorption.
A method (200) for producing nanocellulose fibers from agricultural waste for fluoride removal, comprising: grinding the agricultural waste into fine particles; subjecting the ground waste to an alkaline treatment; filtering the treated waste; neutralizing the pH of the treated waste; bleaching the neutralized product; performing acid hydrolysis on the bleached product; filtering the hydrolyzed product to remove impurities; & finely grinding the purified product to produce nanocellulose fibers with a large surface area and porosity for efficient fluoride adsorption.

SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING NANOCELLULOSE FIBERS FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE FOR FLUORIDE REMOVAL FROM WATER