Malays. J. Anal. Sci. Volume 29 Number 2 (2025): 1348

 

Research Article

 

Study of boiler ash as bio-adsorbent to decolorize palm oil mill effluent final discharge (POMEFD)

 

Ummi Kalsum Hasanah Mohd Nadzim1, Noorul Jannah Zainuddin1,*, Dewi Nilam Rupa’a Razali1, Syahirah Yahya1, Muhammad ‘Azim Jamaluddin1, and Nurul Atiqah Izzati Md Ishak2

 

1Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, Hab Pendidikan Tinggi Pagoh, KM 1, Jalan Panchor, Panchor, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

2Research Centre for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilisation (CCDCU), Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, No.5 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

 

*Corresponding author: jannahzainuddin@ptsn.edu.my

 

Received: 22 September 2024; Revised: 14 February 2025; Accepted: 19 March 2025; Published: 28 April 2025

 

Abstract

Palm oil mill effluent final discharge (POMEFD) has a persistent brown color, potentially affecting ecosystems and water quality if not properly treated before being discharged to the watercourse. Meanwhile, boiler ash from palm oil mills poses challenges in waste management due to unsustainable disposal practices. To address both issues, this study investigated the potential use of boiler ash as bio-adsorbent to decolorize POMEFD. The effects of adsorbent dosage (4-20% w/v) and contact time (5-45 min) were evaluated in the adsorption experiment. The color intensity of raw and treated POMEFD was measured using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer and tintometer. Furthermore, the morphological and elemental characteristics of the boiler ash were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The highest color removal percentage of POMEFD was achieved at 78.4% using 20% w/v dosage, while 77.8% color removal was attained at 5 minutes of contact time for 12% w/v dosage. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX) images revealed the porous structure of boiler ash, which became smoother and less porous after treatment. EDX analysis identified the presence of metal and oxygen elements in the boiler ash, suggesting the formation of metal oxides that facilitated the adsorption of POMEFD color. This finding was further supported by tintometer analysis, which showed a significant reduction in POMEFD color intensity. Brunauer– Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis was conducted to examine the surface characteristics of the boiler ash bioadsorbent. The initial surface area was measured at 5.09 m²/g, which increased significantly to 39.51 m²/g after POMEFD decolorization, indicating the adsorption of contaminants onto the bioadsorbent. These findings can enlighten palm oil industry producers in dealing with POMEFD and boiler ash waste and promote the reusability of industrial waste.

 

Keywords: adsorption, palm oil mill effluent final discharge, decolorization, boiler ash, waste management

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