Utilization of Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) as activated charcoal to remove organic pollutants

Abstract

Palm kernel meal (PKM) is a waste product from the palm oil industry. The objectives of this study are to synthesize activated charcoal from palm kernel meal and apply its ability to adsorb organic matter in water. Charcoal was prepared and activated by pyrolysis without the flow of the inert gasses method and characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR), estimation surface area, and their adsorption of organic compounds such as oxalic acid and methylene blue. The product has polar and basal sites with hydroxy and carboxyl groups on the surface. The highest estimation surface area is 523 m2/g with 350 °C temperature pyrolysis. Adsorption data fit the Freundlich isotherm model for oxalic acid and Langmuir isotherm model for methylene blue that indicates interaction of active site on the surface charcoal with adsorbates. The absorption capacities of activated charcoal were 38.03 mmol/g absorbent and 12.49 mmol/g absorbent against methylene blue and oxalic acid, respectively. Therefore, PKM waste can be used to be a potentially viable activated charcoal for removing organic pollutants from aqueous solutions.