Synthesis and characterization of ground biochar (GB) reinforced composites for removal of heavy metal from palm oil mill effluent (POME)

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination ruins the ecosystem and water quality. The adsorption method for heavy metal remediation is preferred because of its low cost and high efficiency. This work created eco-friendly ground biochar (GB) biomass-based derivatives reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) with titanium dioxide (TiO2). The composites improved palm oil mill effluent (POME) conditions, and H2SO4 activation increased pores by 80%. PLA and TiO2 altered GB characteristics, according to FTIR analysis. A significant adhesion interaction showed that GB, PLA, and TiO2 particles were compatible. Ball milling’s shear force increased surface area, according to Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) research. Particle size reduction increased GB porosity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the porous structure of GB and the synergistic effect of PLA and TiO2 on POME during treatment. The SEM showed several components on the composite surface, demonstrating its efficacy. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) showed that sample C’s composite, which had the most GB, decreased POME heavy metals by 94.4% manganese (Mn), 88.4% cadmium (Cd), and 94.4% zinc (Zn). The resulting POME met the Malaysian Department of Environment’s POME discharge limit by reducing chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, and pH.