Archana Pandey, Ajay S. Kalamdhad, Yogesh Chandra Sharma
), XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX and XPS confirmed the successful synthesis of composite and incorporation of Mg, which strengthened electrostatic interactions and promoted inner-sphere ligand exchange with phosphate ions. Alkaline-assisted desorption enabled up to 90% phosphate release, and the adsorbent retained over 75% of its initial capacity even after seven cycles, demonstrating excellent stability and recyclability for nutrient recovery. Beyond water treatment, the phosphate-laden composites improved soil water retention, highlighting their potential for sustainable agricultural applications. Overall, this work expands the functional versatility of cellulose-clay composites, offering an environmentally benign strategy for integrated wastewater remediation and resource recovery.