ABSTRACT
The efficient removal of industrial-colored effluents from watercourses has become one of the major environmental challenges, as these pollutants reduce the amount of sunlight reaching underwater environments, negatively impacting photosynthesis and damaging aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, the search for “greener” processes with high efficiency and reduced costs is very important. Adsorption is among the most frequently used techniques for removing dyes, with activated carbon being the most common adsorbent material. However, the cost of producing high-efficiency activated carbons is significant. A low-cost alternative could be the utilization of fly ash, a waste byproduct generated from the combustion of solid fuels. Recently, other technological applications have emerged that show good potential for the valorization of these waste materials, with adsorption being one of the most promising. This chapter provides an in-depth overview of the latest advancements in utilizing fly ash for the removal of industrial dyes from aqueous media. Illustrative examples are presented and the optimization of texture and surface chemistry to enhance adsorption capacity is reviewed.
