Removal of pollutants from wastewater using activated carbon from durian peel

Abstract

The efforts in reducing food waste can lead to better water management with less land required for food production and indirectly having a positive impact on the livelihoods and the environment. In order to support the practice of reducing food waste in Brunei Darussalam, one must find ways to recycle or reuse them, particularly waste generated from fruit peels. This paper investigates the feasibility of utilising Durian (Durio zibethinus) rinds to remove pollutants in wastewater, namely Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Nitrates by the process called adsorption. Durian is a local fruit and has high consumption in the country. Hence, it produces a large amount of waste, particularly in the form of peels or rinds. In the present research, the fruit peels are treated by dehydration and carbonisation method prior to utilisation. The variable parameters will be investigated such as the effect on particle size, adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, and agitation. The maximum COD removal percentage was found to be 68.2 % with an adsorption capacity of 690 mg/g. Overall, carbonised samples gave a better outcome than dehydrated samples. Possibly due to the presence of a unique pore structure in carbonised samples that allows organic matter to be adsorbed on the surface.

Potential use of food waste in food processing to add nutritional value

“…Durian peel can be used to remove pollutants from wastewater by the process of adsorption. A study found that carbonised durian peel can remove up to 68.2% of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in wastewater [27]. Durian peel extract can be used as an antibacterial agent in food products.…”

“…Durian peel extract can be used as an antibacterial agent in food products. A study found that sterilized durian-rind pectin showed strong antibacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli [27]. Durian peel extract can be used as an antimicrobial agent in food products.…”

Recent Advances in the Preparation and Application of Biochar Derived from Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Mini Review

“…Utilizing LB to produce carbon materials is a viable choice due to the high carbon content present in lignin. Various sources of LB, such as durian shells [ 91 , 92 ], coconut shells [ 93 , 94 , 95 ], and food waste [ 96 ], have been effectively used to prepare activated carbon with high adsorption properties, based on different advantages of carbonization and activation methods. LBC finds wide applications in the industrial and residential sectors ( Figure 10 ).…”