Trapping Rhodamine B dye using functionalized mango (Mangifera indica) pod

The use of acid‐modified mango pod (AMMP) sorbent for removing Rhodamine B (Rh‐B) dye from aqueous media was investigated. Raw mango pod (RMP) and AMMP sorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), powdered X‐ray diffractogram (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), point of zero charge pH (pHₚzc), and Boehm titration (BT) techniques. Batch adsorption was employed to examine the influence of operational factors. Sorption kinetic parameters were calculated using pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion models. The pseudo‐second‐order model best fitted the adsorption kinetic data most with maximum correlation coefficient (R² > 0.99). The process of the adsorption was controlled by both boundary layer and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms. Four isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Temkin) were utilized to analyze the equilibrium data at various temperatures. Freundlich model gave the best fit with the maximum regression (0.99), while the Langmuir isotherm model established a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 500 mg g⁻¹. Thermodynamic parameters studied revealed that the interaction is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The cost analysis of the current study provides convincing proof that AMMP is efficient for removing Rh‐B dye from solution by providing a saving of 225.2 USD/kg, which is eight times cheaper than commercial activated carbon. Consequently, the study revealed that AMMP is a viable, effective, and sustainable sorbent for Rhodamine B dye removal. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The powdered X‐ray diffractogram (PXRD) showed the formation of new and intense peaks with the presence of highly organized crystalline structures on acid‐modified mango pod (AMMP). Surface morphology of AMMP showed well‐developed open surface pores required for effective adsorption of Rh B dye molecules. Economic feasibility of the present study showed that AMMP is more affordable than commercial activated carbon that costs USD 259.5/kg, thus translated to a saving cost of USD 225.2/kg and more than 7.5 times cheaper than the commercial activated carbon (CAC).