A Sustainable Solution for Environmental Cleanup: Innovative Bio‐Adsorbent Method to Remove Pesticide Residues From Water Samples

ABSTRACT Pesticide contamination in hospital effluents poses a significant threat to environmental and public health. First‐time demonstration of sponge gourd as a low‐cost, natural bio‐adsorbent for sustainably remediating pesticide‐contaminated hospital effluents in West Bengal, India. This study evaluates the concentrations of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CPM) residues in hospital effluents and surrounding environments in West Bengal, India, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation. CPF levels were detected between 43.33 and 343.3 µg/L in wastewater, and 6.33 and 61 µg/L in soil, whereas CPM concentrations ranged from 8.66 to 80 µg/L in water and 0 to 300 µg/L in soil. These values surpass the FAO/WHO maximum residue limit (MRL) standards, with pond water being significantly affected. Gas chromatography (GC) was employed to quantify pesticide levels accurately. To address contamination, the study explored the potential of low‐cost natural bio‐adsorbents, such as sponge gourd, for decontamination. Following 72 h of incubation with sponge gourd ( Luffa cylindrica ), clearance rates of 51.33% for CPF and 82.5% for CPM were observed, demonstrating its efficacy as a sustainable remediation method. The findings underscore the harmful impacts of pesticide pollution on aquatic ecosystems and public health, emphasizing the importance of developing effective, eco‐friendly solutions. This study is the first to demonstrate the use of sponge gourd ( L. cylindrica ) as a low‐cost, natural bio‐adsorbent for sustainably removing pesticide contamination from hospital effluents in West Bengal, India.