Removal of artificial iron ions using activated carbon from sago pith waste

Abstract

In the present day, the industry is growing rapidly. Every process in the industries brings out pollution. Heavy metals, especially iron ions have contaminated water resources due to industrial activity. The high concentration of iron ions is dangerous for human life. To solve this issue an activated carbon from sago pith waste was developed to remove iron ions from industrial wastewater represented by artificial iron solution. The objective of this research is to measure the adsorption capacity of sago pith waste activated carbon (SPWAC) for treating artificial iron solution. The adsorbent was carbonized at 300 C and 80 min. Further, it was activated by citric acid 0.1 M. The treated iron solution was analyzed by condutometer to examine the iron content. Subsequently, the functional groups of SPWAC were tested via Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). The result indicates that the SPWAC can reject iron ions of more than 80 % with an iron ions concentration of 1.81 mg/L at 60 min and 300 rpm. While, FTIR analysis show alkenes, carbonyl, and hydroxyl groups are present in SPWAC. The iron ions concentration in treated water is below the allowable threshold (0.3 mg/L) based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water. Therefore, the SPWAC is promising technology to be applied for treating industrial wastewater.