The effectiveness of activated carbon from nutmeg shell in reducing ammonia (NH3) levels in fish pond water

Abstract

Ammonia (NH3) is one of the compounds found in water, and when it exceeds the threshold, it can become toxic, posing a problem for fish farmers. This research aims to reduce the ammonia (NH3) levels using activated carbon adsorbents based on nutmeg shell. The activated carbon was produced using a 1 M HCl solution as an activator with temperature variations of 600 °C, 650 °C, and 700 °C. The activated carbon obtained complies with the SNI No.06–3730–1995 standard, with characteristics of 9.23 % moisture content, 8.45 % volatile matter content, 9.71 % ash content, and 81.84 % bound carbon content. The best sample was obtained with an adsorbent mass of 6 g at 700 °C, reducing Ammonia (NH3) by 90 % with an adsorption capacity of 0.03 mg/g. Subsequently, the sample was subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis. Functional carbon groups were identified, especially at wavenumbers 3745.22 cm−1 and 3621.27 cm−1, facilitating adsorption. The sample had an amorphous structure but contained crystalline carbon structures. The highest peak observed was at 29.57° with a miller index (201). The surface of the sample exhibited pores, predominantly composed of carbon and oxygen. The adsorption mechanism of ammonia (NH3) on activated carbon occurs through intermolecular interactions. This research demonstrates the potential of a newly developed material for reducing NH3.