Investigating the Bio-Sorption Potential of Activated Carbon Produced from Maize Cobs, Eggshells and Banana Peels for Treatment of Landfill Leachate from Richmond, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Ndlovu C

Published on: 2024-04-16

Abstract

Activated carbon was generated from maize cobs, banana peels, and eggshells. The synthesized food- and agricultural waste-based activated carbon was studied to ascertain its bio sorption potential in treating landfill leachate collected from Richmond landfill in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Upon characterization, the untreated leachate was found to have a pH of 8.7, a COD of 6528 mg/l, a TDS of 3340 mg/l, and heavy metal ion concentrations of 14.4 mg/l, 0.4 mg/l, and 0.5 mg/l for iron, copper, and nickel, respectively. The study showed a reduction in COD of up to 87%, 46%, and 40% for maize cob, eggshell, and banana peel activated carbon, respectively. Based on the results from experiments, banana peels activated carbon reduced Fe²⁺ concentration by up to 83%, maize cobs activated carbon reduced Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ concentration by 50% and 19%, respectively, while eggshell activated carbon recorded 8%, 20%, and 32% reductions in Ni²⁺, Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ion concentrations, respectively, with an increase in coagulant dosage. FTIR spectra revealed the presence of functional groups such as carbonyl, carboxylic, and hydroxyl functional groups in the bio sorbents, which contribute to their pollution reduction abilities. The study revealed that maize cobs, eggshells, and banana peels have the potential for bio sorption in the treatment of landfill leachate.