Characterization of Adsorbents Based on Pahae Natural Zeolite and Candlenut Shell Activated Carbon for Peat Water Purification

Abstract

The importance of developing effective adsorbents for environmental applications cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of water and wastewater treatment. Previous research has extensively explored various natural and synthetic materials for their adsorption capabilities. Pahae natural zeolite, a naturally occurring aluminosilicate mineral, is known for its excellent ion-exchange properties and high surface area, making it a promising candidate for pollutant removal. Similarly, activated carbon derived from agricultural by-products, such as candlenut shells, has been recognized for its superior adsorption characteristics due to its porous structure and large surface area. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of an innovative adsorbent combining Pahae natural zeolite and candlenut shell activated carbon. The goal is to harness the synergistic effects of both materials to enhance the adsorbent’s performance. By investigating various compositions of these two materials, the research aims to optimize the adsorbent’s physical properties, particularly porosity and water absorption capacity. The findings reveal that a composition of 75% Pahae natural zeolite and 25% candlenut shell activated carbon yields optimal results, with a porosity of 57.26% and a water absorption capacity of 56.70%. These results underscore the potential of this composite adsorbent in improving water treatment processes and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable and efficient adsorbent materials.