Development of Bioadsorbent Chitosan from Shrimp Shell Waste to Mercury Absorption Efficiency

Abstract

This study aims to develop chitosan bioadsorben from shrimp shell waste that is applied to water samples in unlicensed mining activities in the Bone River of Gorontalo Province. The properties of chitosan were characterized, such as the determination of water content, ash content, solubility test and determination of acetylation degree by using FTIR. Prior to the application of chitosan products into samples in unlicensed mines locations, a qualitative metal mercury test was conducted on the samples using specific reagents for mercury metals, namely HCl, KI, NaOH, and NH3. The result showed that chitosan deacetylation degree was 73.88%, characterization test fulfilled chitosan standard requirement that was ash content 0.4%, water content 6.48% and soluble in acetic acid. Chitosan products from shrimp shell waste can be used as an environmentally friendly bioadsorbent that can reduce the level of mercury metal in the unlicensed mining activities in the Bone River of Gorontalo Province by 54.90%.