Activated Bentonite: Low Cost Adsorbent to Reduce Phosphor in Waste Palm Oil

Abstract

The Palm Oil Factory produces wastewater containing high enough Phosphor (P). High levels of Phosphor can cause pollution load for the environment, so it needs to be lowered. The decrease of this content can be done by adsorption process using bentonite as adsorbent. The purpose of this research is to determine the absorption of activated bentonite to the absorption of Phosphor contained in waste water. Phosphor measurements were performed using the UV-vis Spectrophotometric Instrument. Bentonite was activated using HCl 1.6 M. Characterization of bentonite using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Divertive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed that bentonite was able to adsorb Phosphor contained in the waste water of Palm Oil Factory, with adsorption capacity> 90%. Activated Bentonite has greater power capability than natural bentonite.