REMOVAL OF POLLUTANTS FROM WASTEWATER USING PALM FOUND COMPOSITE ADSORBENT

The increasing apprehension over water contamination calls for the development of novel strategies to ensure efficient wastewater treatment. The objective of this research is to assess the efficacy of a newly developed composite adsorbent, obtained from palm waste, in the context of wastewater treatment for pollutant removal. The present study investigated the use of a sustainable and readily accessible precursor material for the purpose of adsorption, a well-recognized technique employed in the removal of pollutants. The structural and surface characteristics of the synthesized palm-based composite adsorbent were evaluated using different methods. Batch adsorption tests were performed to assess the efficacy of the composite adsorbent in adsorbing various contaminants, such as heavy metals and organic molecules. The investigation evaluated the adsorption efficacy across many parameters, including pH levels, starting concentration of pollutants, and duration of contact. The findings demonstrated that the composite adsorbent derived from palm-based materials had a substantial capability for adsorbing contaminants that are often present in industrial effluent. The kinetic adsorption developed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the rate-controlling step is likely chemisorption. Results showed the efficiency of palm waste as a precursor material, offering an economically viable and ecologically sound approach to wastewater treatment. This research highlighted the need to investigate alternate and renewable resources as a means of tackling the issues posed by water contamination. The use of a unique composite adsorbent derived from palm-based materials presented a promising opportunity for the advancement of effective and environmentally friendly approaches in addressing water pollution. This innovation facilitates the incorporation of circular economy ideas within the field of environmental engineering.