Study of Banana Peel Biocoagulant and Hydroxyapatite on the Removal of Copper, Zinc, and Turbidity

Abstract

In this investigation, the purifying power of a biodegradable coagulant extracted from banana peel waste was studied and compared with that of a synthesized coagulant, hydroxyapatite. The biocoagulant of banana peel powder was prepared and characterized using different techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The coagulation-flocculation process was adopted to treat water loaded with copper, zinc, and suspended matter. The experimental design methodology was employed for the optimization of the experimental conditions. The Box Behnken design with three factors (dose, granulation, and initial pH) defined in 15 experiments was chosen. Within the pH range of 6 to 8, there was a noticeable increase in the rate of elimination, and this noteworthy trend was confirmed by the observable changes in the point of zero charge. The biocoagulant shows a very good coagulation capacity comparable to that of hydroxyapatite in Zn removal. The obtained values for the removal of Zn, Cu, and turbidity using banana peel powder and hydroxyapatite were 86 %, 96 %, and 97 %, and 68 %, 99 %, and 97 %, respectively. Banana peel powder has the potential to serve as a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for wastewater treatment in the context of waste valorization and environmental protection.