THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACTIVATED CARBON IN HEAVY METAL ADSORPTION FROM WASTEWATER

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a versatile tree with considerable potential that is currently being vigorously encouraged for cultivation in many underdeveloped countries. The seeds of this tropical tree have positively charged, water-soluble proteins that function effectively as coagulants in the treatment of sewage and drinking water. Based on this, the effluent water from a fish pond was examined both before and after being treated with activated carbon processed from moringa seeds. However, after treatment, the values for copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) decreased from 12.61 + 0.055 to 1.23 + 0.005 mg/L and 17.10 + 0.039 to 0.99 +  0.009 mg/L, respectively. However, there was no discernible change in pH conductivity. Overall, Cu and Fe heavy metals were successfully removed; 15g of activated carbon made from moringa seed was sufficient.