Investigation of Banana (Musa spp.) Pseudostem-Derived Adsorbents as a Sustainable Alternative for Nickel Remediation in an Aqueous Solution

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Cuento, Michaela Carlyle, D., Silliman UniversityFollow
• Tan, Niña Nicole, A., Silliman UniversityFollow
• Tiu, Miguel Angelo, S., Silliman UniversityFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

Silliman University

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Palama, Jan Cynth, L.

Start Date

23-6-2026 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2026 3:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Manila Campus (In-person) - Brother Andrew Gonzalez Multipurpose Hall, 20th floor

Abstract/Executive Summary

Heavy metal contamination of water, particularly by nickel (Ni²⁺), poses serious environmental and health risks due to its toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation. Addressing this issue through sustainable and accessible solutions remains essential, especially in resource-limited areas. Guided by adsorption theory and green remediation principles, this study evaluated banana (Musa spp.) pseudostem fibers as a low-cost, biodegradable biosorbent for nickel removal in aqueous solutions. A quasi-experimental design was used to assess the effect of adsorbent dosage on removal efficiency. Three treatment levels (1 g/L, 2 g/L, and 3 g/L) were tested under controlled conditions with a 12-hour contact time. Residual nickel concentrations were measured using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES). Percentage removal and adsorption capacity were computed, while One-Way ANOVA determined statistical significance among treatments. The study also underwent ethical review and expert validation to ensure reliability and accuracy. Results showed a dose-dependent trend, with nickel concentrations decreasing from 51.84 mg/L to 46.16 mg/L as the dosage increased. Removal efficiency improved from -3.67% to 7.68%, with maximum adsorption capacity (1.60 mg/g) observed at 2 g/L. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among treatments. Although concentrations remained above safe limits, the findings demonstrate the potential of banana pseudostem fibers as an effective biosorbent. This study highlights their promise for sustainable water treatment and supports the transformation of agricultural waste into valuable environmental solutions.

Keywords

Nickel (Ni²⁺) remediation; banana pseudostem biosorbent; adsorption; sustainable remediation; water treatment

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes