UTILIZATION OF WASTE BIOMASS FOR WATER PURIFICATION

Abstract

Water purification faces significant challenges as conventional methods struggle to address escalating environmental concerns. This study explores an innovative solution using biochar, a sustainable material derived from waste cotton stems, to improve water quality. Focusing on the polluted Musi River, biochar produced at three temperatures—500°C, 600°C, and 700°C—within a sophisticated filtration system. The study unfolded in two phases: biochar production and water filtration. In the first phase, Musi River water samples and cotton stems were collected, with the stems sorted by hardness and processed through cutting, drying, and powdering. The powdered material underwent pyrolysis at specified temperatures, producing biochar with distinct temperature-dependent properties. To enhance adsorption capacity, the biochar was modified with KOH, improving its ability to remove contaminants. The biochar was stored under controlled conditions to maintain its effectiveness.
The second phase focused on water filtration using layered column systems comprising cotton, sand, gravel, and biochar from the different temperature treatments. Results demonstrated significant improvements in water quality. Biochar produced at 700°C effectively reduced turbidity, indicating superior particulate removal, while the sample from 600°C achieved notable reductions in electrical conductivity, showcasing its efficiency in minimizing dissolved ions. Alkalinity and hardness varied across treatments, revealing the complex interactions between biochar and water constituents. Overall, the findings highlight biochar’s potential as a scalable and eco-friendly water purification solution. By leveraging biochar’s adsorption properties, this study provides a pathway for addressing water pollution sustainably and offers valuable insights for future research and practical applications in environmental remediation.