Traditionally, several methods have been utilized to remove
cadmium from aqueous solution, including reverse osmosis,
chemical precipitation, ion exchange, and electrochemical treatment
[9]. However, these methods have some limitations, such as
high cost, low efficiency, and recontamination. Adsorption has
proven to be one of the most effective strategies for the removal of
heavy metals because the mechanism has been well researched
and the adsorbents are largely accessible. Activated carbon is the
most widely used adsorbent, but its high cost limits its use.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for research that could lead to
the development of a low cost adsorbent. Recent research has
focused on using agricultural waste to achieve a cost-effective
adsorbent. Cellulose, as the major constituent of agricultural waste
has been estimated to yield more than 1011 tons annually through
natural biosynthesis [11]. More importantly, cellulose as a natural
polymer can bind heavy metal ions [12], and it even has excellent
adsorption capacity with proper chemical modification [13].
Sugarcane bagasse is a plentiful lignocellulosic agricultural waste
all over the world and it contains high levels of cellulose (40–50%)
[14]. Several studies have focused on the modification of sugarcane
bagasse and its application for adsorption. Ju´ nior et al. [15]
have noted that mercerized sugarcane bagasse with EDTA