POTENCY OF CHITIN AS AN ADSORBENT IN BLACK WATER TREATMENT PROCESS AT PEATLAND ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The main problem in treatment peat water is related to its specific characteristics, such as low pH (3-4), high organic content, high Fe and Mn content, and dark brown or black water. The objectives of this research are: (1) to determine the potency and effectiveness of chitin as an adsorbent in black water treatment process using column system, and (2) to know the desorption capability of dilute acid toward the Fe and Mn cations that adsorbed in chitin column. The results showed that chitin was successfully isolated from shrimp waste by hydrolysis reaction (including three steps namely deproteination, decalcification, and decolorizing). Chitin column system is effective enough to be used as an adsorbent black water. Active sites of chitin (acetamide and hydroxyl) have the ability to adsorb metals contained in the black water of eco-friendly land. The maximum ability of chitin in black water treatment happened at 30 cm display column and 6 drops/min for flow rate. In this maximum condition, chitin column ability reduces Fe, Mn, dissolved solids, BOD, COD, pH, temperature, and color respectively as much as 86.69%, 91.80%, 98.67%, up to 275%, below 99%, neutral pH range, normal air temperature, and colorless. Thus, chitin can be utilized to treat black water until it is suitable to drink. People knowledge about chitin potency as the adsorbent in black water can transform the habit of people around black water environment in using black water. Black water will be used by people around peatland environment after the treatment by chitin as a tool to the black water treatment process.