PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT TREATMENT USING RICE HUSK-BASED ADSORBENT

Abstract

This study addresses the environmental challenges posed by the palm oil industry, specifically focusing on the mitigation of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). The main aim of the research is to explore the efficiency and environmental impact of using rice husk-based adsorbents to treat POME. This involves comprehensive adsorption studies to assess the capacity of rice husk-based adsorbents in removing recalcitrant contaminants from POME, ultimately improving its quality. This study offers a sustainable and economically feasible treatment method for POME, addressing both environmental and industrial concerns. By transforming agricultural waste (rice husks) into a valuable resource for wastewater treatment, the research aligns with green chemistry principles and promotes circular economy practices. The study utilizes various surface modification techniques such as chemical functionalization and nanocomposite formation to enhance the performance of rice husk-based adsorbents. Experimental conditions were precisely defined, including the use of different pyrolysis temperatures, dosages, and pH levels, to optimize the adsorption process. The research also involved statistical analysis, including F-tests, to determine the significance of observed differences under varying conditions. The main findings indicate that rice husk-based biochar is effective in reducing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and ammonia levels in POME. The optimal conditions for maximum pollutant removal were identified to be biochar produced at 800°C showed the highest overall removal efficiency. A dosage of 8 g/L was found to be the most effective for both COD and ammonia removal. The most acidic (pH 4) condition was favourable for COD removal, while ammonia removal remained consistently high across all pH levels, demonstrating that modified rice husk adsorbents can significantly improve the quality of treated POME. The study also revealed the importance of surface modifications in overcoming the inherent limitations of raw rice husk adsorbents. In conclusion, this study contributes to the field by providing a viable solution for POME treatment using rice husk-based adsorbents. It highlights the potential of agricultural waste as an effective and sustainable resource for wastewater treatment, paving the way for further innovations in environmental management.