Biosorption of an organochlorine pollutant using hibiscus cannabinus L.

Date of Publication

2007

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Chemical Engineering

Thesis Adviser

Florinda T. Bacani

Defense Panel Chair

Joseph Auresenia

Defense Panel Member

Susan Gallardo

Lawrence Belo

Abstract/Summary

The chemicals used by industries today pose a threat to the environment. These contaminants, when left untreated, affect the health of all living creatures. In the Philippines, the most commonly used treatment process of contaminated wastewater is adsorption using granulated activated carbon (GAC) as the adsorbent. However, GAC has a major disadvantage--it demands regeneration of the adsorbent. It is therefore imperative that an alternative adsorbent be found this study hopes to realize the potential of natural adsorbents as an alternative adsorbent here in the Philippines by studying biosorption of an organochlorine pollutant onto Hibiscus Cannabinus L., also known as Kenaf.

To assess Kenaf's adsorptive capacity, Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models were generated and compared. Efficient adsorption occurred within 120 minutes--at least 70% Endosulfan were adsorbed. The Freundlich isotherm equation obtained was q=0.03034Cf 0.8543 the Langmuir isotherm equation was q= 17.794c/1087.633+c. Comparison of the theoretical and actual q showed that both models are favorable the Langmuir isotherm model was better suited for Endosulfan to adsorption using Kenaf.

Kenaf proved efficient in adsorbing organochlorine pollutants in Pasig river water samples. It adsorbed between 72% to 95% of the initial Endosulfan concentration. In addition, initial analysis showed that the water samples failed to meet DO standard of 5.00mg/L and Endosulfan limit of 0.22 ppb. After treatment, water samples taken from Bambang and Jones bridge met both requirements.

Analysis of Kenaf bast fibers showed a bulk density of 0.2567g/ml, surface area 2.659m2/g, and pore diameter 1.62 nm/molec. Although these values are less than those of commercial adsorbents, the study was able to show that it can adsorb pollutants in both simulated and natural environments.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TU08948

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

xiv, 207 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.

Keywords

Kenaf--Philippines; Adsorption; Organochlorine compounds--Philippines--Environmental aspects; Hazardous waste management industry--Philippines; Sewage--Purification--Hazardous waste removal--Philippines; Sewage--Purification--Adsorption--Philippines

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