Processing Banana Peel Waste (Musa sapientum) as adsorbent for Pollutant Removal from Aqueous Media: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current literature on the use of banana (Musa sapientum) processing waste, particularly banana peels, as sustainable adsorbents for water purification. Emphasis is placed on the structural properties, chemical composition, and global availability of banana biomass. Banana-derived materials are rich in amino acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine, and carbonyl, which facilitate the adsorption of pollutants. Numerous studies demonstrate the efficacy of both raw and chemically modified banana peels in removing heavy metals—including Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr (VI), and Ni²⁺, from aqueous solutions. Chemical modifications, including acid and alkali treatments, metal oxide incorporation