Study: Orange peel cleans dirty water

TLEMCEN, Algeria, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Algerian scientists say they've discovered orange peel can be used to remove acidic dyes from industrial effluent.

The researchers said highly colored industrial waste water is a serious environmental problem since it blocks sunlight vital for photosynthesizing plant species in the water.

"Synthetic dyes are extensively used by industries including dye houses, paper printers, textile dyers, color photography and as additives in petroleum products," said Benaissa Houcine of the Laboratory of Sorbent Materials and Water Treatment at the University of Tlemcen.

The researchers said they tested waste orange peel as an absorbent for the removal of four acid dyes from simulated samples of polluted water.

"In laboratory-scale studies, the data show that orange peel has a considerable potential for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions over a wide range of concentrations," Benaissa said. "Orange peel may be used as a low-cost, natural and abundant source for the removal of dyes, and it may be an alternative to more costly materials. It may also be effective in removing other harmful or undesirable species present in the waste effluents."

The study is to be reported in a forthcoming issue of the International Journal of Environment and Pollution.