Utilization of Corncob Cellulose Isolate (Zea mays) as Adsorbent of Heavy Metal Copper and Cadmium

Abstract

This study aims to determine whether the cellulose result of isolation compounds from corn cobs can adsorb heavy metals Copper (Cu) and Cadmium (Cd), as well as to determine the ability of adsorption of cellulose result of isolation. The type of this research is experimental research in chemical laboratory. The method used is quantitative research. The sample used in this research is corn cob waste. The cellulose isolation stage of the corn cob consists of dewaxing, dehemicellulose, delignification and bleaching. Cellulose characterization through water content test, ash content, pH, solubility test, and using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) instrument, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The cellulose result of isolation was used as a heavy metal adsorbent of Cu and Cd using atomic absorption spectrometry. Based on the results of the research, it is found that cellulose result of isolation from corn cobs has the ability to absorb Cu and Cd heavy metals with adsorption capacity of Cu and Cd is 68.20 and 95,98 mg.L-1.g-1.