Improved biosorption potential of Thuja orientalis cone powder for the biosorptive removal of Basic Blue 9

► An efficient biosorbent was prepared from Thuja orientalis cones by modification. ► Modification significantly enhanced the decolorization potential of biosorbent. ► High biosorption yields were obtained by small amount of modified biosorbent. ► Modified sorbent was successfully used for BB9 removal in batch and column mode. ► Modified biosorbent showed excellent desorption potential up to 10 cycles.