Malays. J. Anal. Sci. Volume 30 Number 1 (2026): 1694

 

Research Article

 

Adsorption of phosphorus onto raw hard clam shell through up-flow column reactor using synthetic water

 

Norzainariah Abu Hassan1*, Nur Aleya Muhamad Imran Wong2, Nursyazana Mohd Nor2, Muhamad Saiful Airell Eddy2, Sivasini Saravanan2, Muhammad Danish Farhan Mohamad Adli Azdhar2, Annclare Supang Apoi2, Noorul Hudai Abdullah2*, Nur Husna Muslim1, and Nur Syazrena Amyza Zainal3

 

1Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Education Hub, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

2Neo Environmental Technology, Centre for Diploma Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Education Hub, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

3Multi Tank Terminal Sdn Bhd, PT 64374, Jalan Perigi Nenas 8/8, Taman Perindustrian Pulau Indah, Pulau Indah, Westport, 42920 Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor`

 

*Corresponding author: zainariah1077@gmail.com; noorul@uthm.edu.my

 

Received: 15 September 2025; Revised: 19 January 2025; Accepted: 22 January 2026; Published: 28 February 2026

 

Abstract

Phosphorus pollution in aquatic ecosystem is a critical environmental issue due to its direct contribution to eutrophication, algal blooms, and subsequent deterioration of water quality. Conventional methods of phosphorus removal are costly and generate secondary environmentally impacts necessiting the exploration of sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the potential of raw hard clam shells as a low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbent for phosphorus removal using an up-flow column reactor with synthetic water. Six up-flow column reactors were operated at constrant flow rates with varying bed depths (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8cm) to evaluate adsorption performance. Experimental findings demonstrated that raw hard clam shells possess significant phosphorus adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity and rate-controlling mechanisms were elucidated through the application of Bed Depth Service Time, Modified Mass Transfer, and Thomas models. The physical-chemical characteristics and morphological changes of the adsorbent before and after adsorption were systematically examined. Operational studies indicated that optimal removal efficiency was achieved at specific flow rates and contact times, emphasizing the importance of reactor configuration and operating conditions. Overall, this findings highlight the effectiveness and sustainability of raw hard clam shells as a natural adsorbent for phosphorus removal from synthetic water in continuous flow systems.

 

Keywords: phosphorus, raw hard clam shell, bed depth service time, modified mass transfer, Thomas model

 

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