An Alternative Activated Carbon from Agricultural Waste on Chromium Removal

• Main Authors: Mohammad Mahmudi, Sulastri Arsad, Mega Charisma Amalia, Hajar Alviyyah Rohmaningsih, Fiddy Semba Prasetiya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Polish Society of Ecological Engineering (PTIE) 2020-11-01
• Series: Journal of Ecological Engineering
• Subjects: heavy metals; activated carbon; bagasse; corn cobs
• Online Access: http://www.journalssystem.com/jeeng/AN-ALTERNATIVE-ACTIVATED-CARBON-FROM-AGRICULTURAL-WASTE-ON-CHROMIUM-REMOVAL,127431,0,2.html

Corn cobs and bagasse are materials for making activated carbon that are easy to find. Besides being easy to find, corn cobs and bagasse are also agricultural waste that cannot be consumed. This study aims to analyze the potential of activated carbon from agricultural waste, namely corn cobs and bagasse in reducing the levels of heavy metals chromium, and to analyze the dose of activated carbon from agricultural waste which is effective in reducing chromium levels in batik waste. The method used was experimental with a completely randomized factorial design. The doses of activated carbon used were 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 g. Meanwhile, the contact times used were 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes. The results showed that the initial chromium content was 0.144 mg. L-1, and after given treatment it decreased to below 0.024 mg. L-1. Activated carbon from corn cobs and bagasse was able to reduce chromium levels with the most effective dose of 2.5 g. L-1 and a contact time of 120 minutes. Meanwhile. the water quality parameters showed temperature stability (23-25 ° C) during the experimental period, while the pH increased, which is 9-11.