Adsorption of Phosphorus from Palm Oil Mill Effluent Using a Blended Bio-Inorganic Adsorbent

Abstract

The discharge of palm oil mill effluent (POME) rich in phosphorus into water bodies leads to eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. This research focuses on synthesizing a composite of banana peel biochar and kaolinite clay to adsorb phosphorus from POME. The initial concentration of phosphorus in the effluent was 51.72 mg/L, as measured using a Spectrophotometer (UV-Vis). The functional group, morphology, and elemental composition of the composite were analyzed using FTIR, SEM, and EDS, respectively. The characterization results of the composite after treatment show successful adsorption of phosphorus. The effect of contact time, adsorbent ratio, and agitation speed was investigated to determine the optimum conditions for the adsorption process. After being treated with the synthesized composite, the phosphorus-laden effluent reached equilibrium at a contact time of 90 min, an adsorbent ratio of 75:25% (KC: BP), and an agitation speed of 175 rpm, respectively. The removal efficiency of phosphorus at equilibrium was 88% corresponding to 6.12 mg/L. The Reusability study conducted showed that the composite can be reused twice before it loses its efficiency. Based on the results obtained from this study, it is concluded that kaolinite-banana peel biochar is effective in removing phosphorus from palm oil mill effluent.