PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM PALM KERNEL SHELLS AND SAWDUST WOOD

Abstract

 This study focuses on the production and characterization of activated carbon derived from palm kernel shells and sawdust wood, both abundant and sustainable local resources, for    wastewater treatment applications. Two activation methodologies—carbonizing before activating and activating before carbonizing— were employed, using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as the activating agent. The produced activated carbon was characterized to evaluate its physical and chemical properties, including surface area, porosity, adsorption capacity, pH, ash content, and functional groups. Advanced techniques such as BET analysis, FTIR, SEM, and TGA were utilized to obtain detailed insights into the material properties. The performance of the activated carbon was assessed in treating wastewater contaminated with heavy metals, dyes, and organic compounds. The results demonstrated significant removal efficiencies, particularly for iron (up to 97%) and zinc (96.7%), with moderate removal rates for nickel, lead, cadmium, and chromium. The study revealed that activation conditions and material origin influence adsorption performance. Comparative analysis with commercially available activated carbon highlighted the cost effectiveness and sustainability of using palm kernel shells and sawdust as raw materials. Recommendations include optimizing activation conditions, combining activated carbon with other adsorbents, and exploring multi-cycle regeneration for enhanced pollutant removal. This research underscores the potential of locally sourced activated carbon as an efficient and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment