Production of biochar from Bitter Melon Seeds Waste by Pyrolysis Method

Abstract

The rejection rate of seeds at a seed company is approximately 5% of total sorted seeds. Rejected seeds is difficult to treat and caused the problem in the environment. This research aims to produce carbon or biochar from rejected bitter melon seeds by pyrolysis method. The functional groups on the carbon formed was observed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FTIR). The pyrolysis was carried out at temperature variations of 350°C, 400°C, and 450°C for 60 minutes. The yield of carbon using pyrolysis at temperature of 350°C, 400°C, and 450°C were 34,65%, 26,09%, and 24,22%, respectively. The results of FTIR spectrophotometer analysis on pyrolyzed carbon contain several functional groups of O–H, C=C, and C–O. This produced char can be recycled back to agriculture land as biochar for soil improvement.