The effectiveness of using coconut husk powder as an adsorbent to enhance the wastewater quality of the cepuk textile industry in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Tenun Cepuk (traditional woven) from Nusa Penida holds great potential as a traditional textile art form, cherished for its intricate patterns and cultural significance. However, the textile industry's wastewater, with its dye-related pollution, presents a significant environmental challenge that needs sustainable solutions. Coconut husk powder exhibits promising potential as an adsorbent for treating dye wastewater from the textile industry. Investigating the interplay between varying thicknesses and contact durations is crucial to maximizing coconut husk powder's adsorption capacity and efficiency for dye wastewater treatment. Method: This study, following an Experimental research design with a Posttest Only Control Group Design, aims to assess the impact of an intervention on the experimental group compared to the control group. Coconut fibers, sourced from Nusa Penida agriculture, serve as the adsorbent. Coconut powder is added to these tanks at thicknesses of 5 cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm. Subsequently, wastewater samples from the Cepuk weaving process are introduced into each experimental tank, along with a control group. The process is left for 24 and 72 hours as varying contact times. The adsorption results are subjected to analysis for parameters, including total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) at the Panureksa Denpasar Laboratory. Results: The use of coconut husk powder as an adsorbent effectively lowers TDS, TSS, BOD5, and COD in Cepuk textile dye wastewater. The reduction depends on adsorbent thickness and contact time. Thicker adsorbents notably reduce TDS, TSS, BOD5, and COD, enhancing wastewater quality and environmental safety. A 15 cm-thick adsorbent effectively reduces TDS to permissible levels. Prolonged contact times also significantly lower levels. Conclusion: Coconut husk powder can be utilized to decrease TDS, TSS, BOD5, and COD levels in textile dye wastewater. Thickness and contact time significantly impact the enhancement of wastewater quality.