Removal of Mn(II) and Total Suspended Solid in Groundwater Source using Biosorbent of Palm Oil Solid Waste

Abstract

Bio-sorbent was prepared from solid waste of empty oil palm fruit bunches (OPEB) and then modified with Fe and Cu metals. The characterization of these two activated carbons by XRD analysis showed the appearance of new peaks in the 2 theta region of 15o - 40o on the modified activated carbon which indicated the different structure of the two activated carbons. The water purification process from groundwater samples was carried out using the adsorption method of these two activated carbons. Modified OPEB Activated Carbon is able to remove odors and purify cloudy groundwater samples better than unmodified OPEB activated carbon. The ability to remove the metal content of Mn(II) faster and use less amount of activated carbon compared to OPEB activated carbon without modification. While the TSS content decreased from 420 ppm to 70 ppm using OPEB activated carbon after a contact time of 105 minutes and by using modified OPEB activated carbon it decreased to 30 ppm after the adsorption process for 90 minutes. Modification of activated carbon from OPEB by incorporating Fe and Cu metals become a new strategy to increase the adsorption capability of activated carbon in the water purification process..