Exploring the potential of Juglans regia-derived activated carbon for the removal of adsorbed fungicide Ethaboxam from soils

The dearth of adsorption studies on aminothiazole carboxamide-based fungicide Ethaboxam has eventuated to its current investigation of sorption behavior on soil samples utilizing standard batch equilibrium method. Ethaboxam-based sorption studies have never been reported in the selected regions. Linear adsorption coefficient (K_d) ranged from 3.2 to 16.74 μg mL⁻¹. The highest value of K_d was observed for soil rich in organic matter. Low Gibbs free energy values indicated the weak interaction between soil particles and Ethaboxam resulting in physiosorption and an exothermic reaction. Statistical analysis expressed a negative correlation between soil pH and K_d (R² = − 0.85 and p < 0.05) and positive correlation with organic matter (R² = 0.94). The data was further analyzed by univariate ANOVA, and accuracy was checked by residual plots for investigating the statistical significance of the results. Cost effective Ethaboxam remediation from soils was performed by Juglans regia (walnut) shells-derived activated carbon on different pesticide concentrations (5 ppm and 7.5 ppm) in soils. Consummate removal percentages were obtained in 5 ppm (99%) and 7.5 ppm concentrations (89%). The use of Juglans regia shells for the removal of Ethaboxam makes this method environmental friendly, economical, and easily applicable.