A Libyan research team from the University of Benghazi has achieved a scientific breakthrough by developing an innovative, plant-based material capable of removing industrial dyes from wastewater, offering a sustainable and low-cost solution for environmental pollution.
According to Al-Jazeera News Network, the study was carried out by researchers from the University of Benghazi in collaboration with a scientist from Tribhuvan University in Nepal. The team focused on a native Libyan plant, Arbutus pavarii, locally known as “Qatlab” or “Shamari”, which grows abundantly in the Green Mountain region of eastern Libya throughout the year.
According to the researchers, the plant’s leaves were successfully modified to produce a new adsorbent material capable of capturing methyl violet 6B, a dye widely used in the textile, paper and pharmaceutical industries. The newly developed material, named MABL, demonstrated strong adsorption performance while maintaining more than 83% of its efficiency after repeated use.
The project addresses long-standing challenges associated with natural adsorbents, which often rely on seasonal agricultural waste and lose efficiency after limited reuse. By contrast, Arbutus pavarii offers year-round availability and strong chemical stability, making it a more sustainable alternative.
Laboratory tests showed that the modified leaves achieved a maximum adsorption capacity of more than 228 milligrams of dye per gram of material under near-neutral conditions. Advanced scientific analysis confirmed that chemical treatment significantly increased the material’s surface area and active sites, enhancing its ability to trap dye molecules.
The lead researcher explained that the material’s performance results from a combination of electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and structural changes that allow dyes to penetrate deep into the porous structure.
Researchers said the material is inexpensive, reusable and well suited for regions with limited resources, including Libya, where industrial wastewater treatment remains a major environmental challenge.
The team plans to move beyond laboratory testing by evaluating the material in continuous-flow industrial systems. Future research will also explore other native Libyan plants to develop a broader range of environmentally friendly adsorbents.