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Adsorption Isotherm Study
Adsorption Isotherm Study
Adsorption Isotherm Study
JANUARY 2016
ABSTRACT
The Potential of Oil Palm Frond (OPF) Biochar to prevent the Leachability of Potassium
(K) from Peat Soil (Adsorption Isotherm Study) was reported in this study. The amount of
K adsorbed was studied and analysed by Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Then
the isotherm adsorption study was conducted to determine the adsorption capacity of
Potassium towards oil palm frond biochar. This isotherm study was tested by using
various parameters which were contact time, concentration, desorption study and pH.
From the result obtain, OPF biochar only took one hour to adsorb all the K, beyond than
that there was no detectable change. Besides, the Amount of K adsorbed was directly
perpendicular with the Concentration of Potassium (mg/g). The data were evaluated
using Langmuir isotherm. The Langmuir isotherm model determines the amount of the
maximum capacity of the potassium per unit weight of to form a complete monolayer on
the surface which is 6.78 mg/g. Desorption study was also evaluated to determine the
amount of K desorbed which showed the higher the initial concentration of K loaded in
the OPF Biochar, the higher the amount of metal ion recovered from the OPF Biochar.
The different of pH value also used to complete the isotherm study. By conducted pH 3,
5 and 7, it is proved that the highest amount of K adsorbed is at pH 3 (Acidic) compared
to pH 5 and 7 due to the weakening of electrostatic force of attraction between the
oppositely charged adsorbate and adsorbent. The OPF biochar has the potential to
prevent the leachability of potassium from the peat soil from the isotherm and desorption
study.
ii
ABSTRAK
The Potential of Oil Palm Frond (OPF) Biochar to prevent the Leachability of Potassium
(K) from Peat Soil (Adsorption Isotherm Study) was reported in this study. The amount of
K adsorbed was studied and analysed by Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Then
the isotherm adsorption study was conducted to determine the adsorption capacity of
Potassium towards oil palm frond biochar. This isotherm study was tested by using
various parameters which were contact time, concentration, desorption study and pH.
From the result obtain, OPF biochar only took one hour to adsorb all the K, beyond than
that there was no detectable change. Besides, the Amount of K adsorbed was directly
perpendicular with the Concentration of Potassium (mg/g). The data were evaluated
using Langmuir isotherm. The Langmuir isotherm model determines the amount of the
maximum capacity of the potassium per unit weight of to form a complete monolayer on
the surface which is 6.78 mg/g. Desorption study was also evaluated to determine the
amount of K desorbed which showed the higher the initial concentration of K loaded in
the OPF Biochar, the higher the amount of metal ion recovered from the OPF Biochar.
The different of pH value also used to complete the isotherm study. By conducted pH 3,
5 and 7, it is proved that the highest amount of K adsorbed is at pH 3 (Acidic) compared
to pH 5 and 7 due to the weakening of electrostatic force of attraction between the
oppositely charged adsorbate and adsorbent. The OPF biochar has the potential to
prevent the leachability of potassium from the peat soil from the isotherm and desorption
study.
iii
APPROVAL PAGE
I have supervised and examined this report and verify that it meets the programmed and
Universitys requirements for the Diploma of Chemical Engineering Technology in
Environment.
iv
DECLARATION
I declare that this thesis entitled The Potential of Oil Palm Frond Biochar in Preventing
the Leachability of Potassium from Peat soil (Adsorption Isotherm Study) is the result of
my own research expects as cited in references. The thesis has not been accepted for
any degree and is not concurrently submitted in candidature of any other degree.
Date : Signature :
..
Name :
v
Special dedication to my beloved mother Rahimah binti Ismail and my father Mamat bin
Drahman that always inspire, love and stand beside me, my beloved siblings, my
supervisor, my friends especially the one who always help me and Technicians. For all
your love, support, care and believe in me. Thank you so much.
vi
ACKNOWLEGDEMENT
Firstly, I am grateful to ALLAH s.w.t. for this blessing and giving me the strength
and ability to completely finish this final year project successfully. I would like to take this
opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to my supervisor, Madam Khairul Nadiah
and my co-supervisor, Dr Amelia binti Md Som for her constant encouragement,
guidance, advise, monitoring and tolerance toward this project especially in writing this
report. From the help and guidance, I can finish this project and report successfully.
I also would like to thank the environment technicians of UniKL MICET, Encik Syukri
who helped me a lot by giving his guidance, advice and motivation during handling the
equipment of involved in this project. I also would like to thanks to all my friend for
helping me and for their support. Special deepest thanks also to my family who always
support me especially my mother that always giving me advices.
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tittle Page i
Abstract ii
Abstrak iii
Approval iv
Declaration v
Dedication vi
Acknowledgment vii
List of Figure xi
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.3 Objectives 3
viii
2.3 Potassium (K) 8
2.5 Adsorption 11
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
4.1 Introduction 27
ix
4.2.3 Desorption Study 31
4.2.4 Variety of pH 32
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
Conclusion 35
REFERENCES 36
x
LIST OF FIGURE
xi
3.7 a) Dried Biochar 25
b) Rinse Process 25
b) pH Meter Calibration 28
xii
LIST OF TABLE
xiii
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Biochar is a charcoal that used for environmental purposes which can improve
soil physically or chemically and make it more suitable for plant growth. It is a fine-
grained and porous form of charcoal that also be used as a soil improver. It is created by
using a pyrolysis process, heating biomass in a low oxygen environment at elevated
temperatures between 300 C and 1000 C (Yoder, 2011).
In the production of biochar from biomass, approximately 50% of the carbon that
the plants absorbed as CO2 from the atmosphere is fixed into the charcoal (Gaunt &
Lehmann, 2008) .The carbon in charcoal is basically inert, showing a relative lack of
reactivity both chemically and biologically, and so it is strongly resistant to
decomposition. 400 million years old charcoal from wildfire has been found in sediment
layers. (James Samuel Clark, 1996)
1
and leeching, allowing the use of less fertilizers and diminishing agricultural pollution to
the surrounding environment (Reddy, 2014). And it retains moisture, helping plants
through periods of drought more easily. Most importantly, it replenishes exhausted or
marginal soils with organic carbon and fosters the growth of soil microbes essential for
nutrient absorption, particularly mycorrhizal fungi (Kazmi, 2009).
In this study, oil palm frond (OPF) will be used as a feedstock to produce a
biochar. OPF are a by-product of the cultivation of oil palm trees. The rapid development
of the palm oil industry since the 1990s, notably in South-East Asia which are Malaysia
and Indonesia has caused an increasing output of fibrous wastes derived from the
harvesting of oil palm fruit bunches, from both pruning management practices and
replanting operations (Dahlan, 2000). Up to 100 kg/ha dry matter (DM) basis of OPF can
be produced daily (Ishida et al., 1997). OPF used to be burned but environmental
concerns led to banning the practice in the 1990s. Now they are usually left on the
ground to decompose and fertilize the soil (Lim et al., 2000). A considerable amount of
research, notably in Malaysia and Indonesia, has been carried out to demonstrate the
nutritional value and economic viability of OPF for ruminants in order to improve self-
sufficiency in dairy and meat production (Abu Hassan et al., 1996; Wan Zahari et al.,
2003). Oil palm fronds are a low-protein, high-fiber material that has been shown to be
palatable and to have a good feeding potential for many classes of herbivore livestock
(Mohamad, 2014).
2
1.2 Problem Statement
This work is part of a larger study to identify the potential of OPF biochar in
preventing leachability of K+ from Peat Soil (Adsorption Isotherm Study). Numerous
studies have been conducted to optimize the use of fertilizer for oil palm grown on peat
soil. Peat soil has problem to retain potassium due to its porosity and its waterlogged
condition. OPF biochar has been shown to content high amount of potassium and it has
high adsorption rate for cations. It is therefore OPF biochar has the potential to reduce
the leachability of potassium from peat soil. Furthermore, palm frond is readily available
as raw material and has the great prospect to be converted into biochar, become source
of potassium and prevent the leachate.
1.2.1 Objectives
3
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
4
2.1.1 Production of Biochar
Table 2.1: Basic operating parameters for pyrolysis processes. (Demirbas and Arin,
2002); and (Bolan et al. 2013)
Operating Slow pyrolysis Fast pyrolysis Flash pyrolysis
parameters
Pyrolysis 300-700 600-1000 800-1000
temperature (C)
Heating Rate 0.1-1 10-200 >1000
(C/Sec)
Particle Size (mm) 5-50 <1 <0.2
Biochars physical and chemical properties have the ability to attract and hold
moisture, nutrients and agrochemical. (Verheijen et al, 2010). Recent research has
5
proven biochar enriched soils is able to reduce carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide
emission by 50-80% (Terrence Vaughn, 2012). Nitrous oxide is a significant greenhouse
gas, which are 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Researchers who have
tested the impact of bio-char on soil fertility say that much of the benefit may derive from
biochars vast surface area and complex pore structure, which is hospitable to the
bacteria and fungi that plants need to absorb nutrients from the soil. Steiner says, We
believe that the structure of charcoal provides a secure habitat for microbiota, which is
very important for crop production. Steiner and coauthors noted in the 2003 book
Amazonian Dark Earths that the charcoal-mediated enhancement of soil caused a 280
400% increase in plant uptake of nitrogen. Biochar complex pore structure can also
provide a secure habitat for microorganism and fungi. These fungi can form a symbiotic
relationship with plant root fibers and allows greater nutrient uptake by plants. There is
speculation that these fungi may play a part in terra pretas ability to regenerate itself.
Terra preta is the dark soil that owes the black color to its weathered charcoal content or
by adding the charcoal to the soil.
Biochar addition to soil also can enhance crops yield (Glaser et al., 2002). It
improves plant growth, food production and sustainability in areas with depleted soils,
limited organic resources, insufficient water and access to agrochemical fertilizers.
However, not all soils react to the same way with biochar but changes can be seen
within a year (Ref). Furthermore, biochar is able to enhance water and nutrient retention
by integrating into the soil structure. Biochar contain high surface area able to improve
water-holding capacity of soil. A study that is conducted by Tyron (1984) show the soil
water retention capacity increased about 18 % upon addition of 45% by volume of
biochar to sandy soil. Biochar can also help to prevent fertilizer runoff and leaching
(BIOCHAR info, 2009; Hamilton, 2007), reducing fertilizers uses and minimize
agricultural pollution to the surrounding environment.
The palm oil industry generates almost 94% of biomass in Malaysia, while other
agricultural and forestry by-products contribute the remaining of 6%. OPF are estimated
to be the highest available biomass amounting to 44.84 million tonnes in Malaysia
6
(Fauziah Sulaiman, 2012). OPF are a by-product of the cultivation of oil palm trees
(Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). The rapid development of the palm oil industry since the
1990s, notably in South-East Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia), has caused an increasing
output of fibrous wastes derived from the harvesting of oil palm fruit bunches, from both
pruning management practices and replanting operations (Dahlan, 2000). Up to 100
kg/ha (DM basis) of OPF can be produced daily (Ishida et al., 1997). Using an annual
production figure of 11 t DM/ha (Husin et al., 1986 cited by Lim et al., 2000) and a total
world harvest from 15 million ha in 2009 (FAO, 2011), it can be estimated that 164
million t DM of OPF are produced every year in the world.
OPF and oil palm trunks used to be burned but environmental concerns led to
banning the practice in the 1990s. Now they are usually left on the ground to decompose
and fertilize the soil (Lim et al., 2000). A considerable amount of research, notably in
Malaysia and Indonesia, has been carried out to demonstrate the nutritional value and
economic viability of OPF for ruminants in order to improve self-sufficiency in dairy and
meat production (Abu Hassan et al., 1996; Wan Zahari et al., 2003). OPF are a low-
protein, high-fiber material that has been shown to be palatable and to have a good
feeding potential for many classes of herbivore livestock, including cattle, buffaloes,
sheep, goats, deers and rabbits (Dahlan et al., 2000; Dahlan et al., 1994). Whole OPF
(the petiole and leaflets) are usually chopped into lengths of about 2 cm and fed either
fresh, dried, pelleted or ensiled in combination with other ingredients as total mixed
rations. Many treatments have been proposed to increase its nutritional value (Abu
Hassan et al., 1996; Dahlan, 2000).
7
2.2.1 Advantages and disadvantages of using Oil Palm Frond Biochar
Table 2.2 stated the advantages and disadvantages listed by Australia and New Zealand
Biochar Researches Network (2008)
Advantages Disadvantages
2.3 Potassium
Potassium is an essential and major nutrient for crop production (Alfaro et al.,
2003; Zhang et al., 2011). Plants need potassium in large amount and it is referred as a
macronutrient (Black, 1957). Plants require K for photosynthesis, ATP production,
translocation of sugars, starch production in grains, nitrogen fixation in legumes, and
protein synthesis. In oil palm and other crops, K strengthens stalks and stems, thus
helping with disease and lodging. Plants take up potassium as K+ ions. The
concentration and availability of K in the soil is primarily controlled by inorganic
processes. Although K does not pose the potential environmental concerns that nitrogen
(N) and phosphorous (P) do, an understanding of K cycling and availability is important
for the management of profitable, long-term cropping systems because K exists in finite
amounts in the soil and can limit plant use of other nutrients. (Sparks D. L., 2000)
8
2.3.1 K in Soil
Exchangeable K is weakly sorbed to the surfaces of soil particles and can rapidly
replenish solution K. Nonexchangeable or fixed Kis held within clay layers by strong
bonds that make the nutrient inaccessible to plants. Mineral K is contained largely in un-
weathered primary minerals such as feldspars and micas. The processes governing the
availability of K are mineral weathering, clay fixation and release, sorption and
desorption, leaching, erosion, and plant uptake. K has been traditionally expressed as
potash, or K2O. (Korb, Jones, & Jacobsen, 2002).
9
Figure 2.2: The potassium cycle.
10
2.5 Adsorption
The word "adsorption" was coined in 1881 by German physicist (Heinrich Kayser,
1853-1940). Adsorption is the adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid,
or dissolved solid to a surface. This process creates a film of the adsorbate on the
surface of the adsorbent. This process differs from absorption, in which a fluid (the
absorbate) is dissolved by or permeates a liquid or solid (the absorbent), respectively.
(Loebenstein & V., 1963).
Solid surfaces are active and energetic sites, which are able to interact with
solutes due to their specific electronic and spatial properties. Since adsorption is a
surface based process, the surface area plays an important role in determining
adsorbents quality (Crittenden and Thomas, 1998). Adsorption process can be divided
into two types which is physical adsorption and chemical adsorption.
Adsorption processes can be classified into two types which are physical
adsorption (van der Waals adsorption) or chemisorption (activated adsorption)
depending on the type of forces between the adsorbate and the adsorbent.
11
weak van der Waals forces and therefore it is less strongly attached to the surface
compared to chemisorption. There is not any exchange of electrons in this process
(Cecen and Aktas, 2012). Physical adsorption occurs quickly and may be mono-
molecular (unimolecular) layer or monolayer, or 2, 3 or more layers thick (multi-
molecular). It begins as a monolayer then it becomes multi-layer, and if the pores are
close to the size of the molecules, more adsorption occurs until the pores are filled with
adsorbates. Accordingly, the maximum capacity of a porous adsorbent can be more
related to the pore volume rather than to the surface area.
b) Chemisorption
Chemisorption involves the formation of chemical bonds between the adsorbate
and adsorbent is a monolayer, often with a release of heat much larger than the heat of
condensation (Ref). Chemisorption from a gas generally takes place only at
temperatures greater than 200oC, and may be slow and irreversible. Since chemical
reactions happen more rapidly at higher temperatures, chemisorption is more
predominant at high temperatures compared to physical adsorption (Cecen and Aktas,
2012).
Adsorption is not a homogeneous process and there are many factor can affect the
efficiency of its process such as pH, temperature, surface area of adsorbent, particle
size of adsorbent, contact time or residence time and initial concentration.
a) pH
Many investigate has been done in studies about the effect of pH on the bio-
sorption of potassium onto different adsorbents. Coir-pith carbon activated chemically by
H2SO4 achieved the highest adsorption of potassium in the pH range of 6-10 (Kumar et
al., 2010). Varying results on the influence of pH on the adsorption process indicate its
complex nature. However, for the majority of other sorbents, most results infer that the
optimum pH is slightly acidic to around neutral (4 - 7) (Kumar et al., 2010).
12
b) Temperature
The connections between properties of the adsorbent and solute is also affected
the adsorption process of potassium. Thus, the effects of temperature are different for
different adsorbents and solutes. In general, numerous studies have shown that by
increasing the temperature of the solution to a specific range, the adsorption efficiency of
different adsorbents also increases. (Benyoucef and Amrani, 2011) attributed the higher
phosphorus adsorption capability with increasing temperature to the expansion of pore
size at higher temperatures. Moreover, Kumar et al. (2010) suggested that elevated
temperature leads to an increase in the rate of diffusion of potassium ions, which in turn
enhances the adsorption efficiency.
d) Adsorbent Dosage
Many scientific studies indicated that potassium adsorption will increase when
adsorbent dose up to a specific level increasing, and then it retained constant. This can
be explained by adding more adsorbent to the solution so that more binding sites are
available for the sorption process. Hence, more potassium can be adsorbed (Kumar et
al., 2010).
13
e) Contact Time
The design and economics of any adsorption system are mostly caused by the
kinetics process. The needed contact time varies between different adsorbents and
contaminants. The adsorption process will be more complete when the contact time is
hinger. This is because when contact time is higher, more molecules of contaminant can
adhere and accumulate to the surface of adsorbent. The adsorption process continues
until it reached an equilibrium states. Normally, the adsorption of potassium by most
adsorbents reached equilibrium in less than 1 hour (Yue et al., 2010).
f) Initial Concentration
Generally, the adsorption effectiveness decreases if there is a significant
increase in the initial concentration of potassium. It has been researched that the
increase in potassium uptake capacity when the initial concentration was raised from
100 mg/L to 300 mg/L (Xu et al. 2009)
14
Freundlich and Langmuir is the most well-known isotherm that used in adsorption to
understand the extent and degree of favorability of adsorption. (Ding, 2008).
In 1916, Irving Langmuir published a new model isotherm for adsorption, which
retained his name. It is a semi-empirical isotherm derived from a proposed kinetic
mechanism. This isotherm was based on different assumptions one of which is that
dynamic equilibrium exists between adsorbed gaseous molecules and the free gaseous
molecules.
Below are the characteristics of Langmuir model (Armenante, 2010) and figure
2.3 illustrate the Langmuir isotherm graph:
c) The adsorbed molecules do not move on the surface of the adsorbent. However, they
can lose back to the solution.
d) The enthalpy of adsorption is the same for all molecules independently of how many
have been adsorbed.
15
Figure 2.3: Graph of Langmuir Isotherm (Armenante, 2010)
Where:
Qe = Amount of solute adsorbed on the bio-sorbent at equilibrium
Ce =Residual concentration of solute remaining in solution after adsorption is completed.
Q0 = Maximum amount of the solute per unit weight of to form a complete monolayer on
the surface (mg / g).
b = constant related to the affinity of the binding sites (L/m)
16
2.7 Theory and Mechanism of Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS)
17
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The overall experiments conducted during this study is illustrated in the flow chart
18
3.2 Feedstock selection
The sample used in this project is biochar from stems of oil palm frond which
already produced by previous students.
Fresh oil palm frond was collected in selected location then was cut into 3 cm x 3
cm dimension as in Figure 3.4 before put in oven at 40 0 C to reduce moisture content
as low as possible or dry the frond under sun for 3 days or until the frond was dried.
19
After that the dried frond were arrange in single layer and wrapped with two layer
of aluminum foil to prevent presence of oxygen during pyrolysis process. The pyrolysis
process were conducted in a muffle furnace with temperature 345 0 C for 45 minutes.
The temperature of 345 0 C and 45 minutes retention time was choosen based on
recent research that this temperature and retention time produce the lowest pH value
and minimum hydrophobicity (Fahmi,2015) .
(a) (b)
Figure 3.3: (a) Diluting standard solution (b) AAS for standard curve
The samples were studied by using several methods as stated in 3.4.1 to3.4.4 below:
20
3.4.1 Isotherm study with variety of contact time
50 ppm of potassium solution was prepared from KOH. The solution was poured
into six test tubes and added with 0.1 g of biochar. Another six test tubes were also
prepared as blank (without biochar). All test tubes then put in the water bath shaker with
constant temperature 25 C. Every hour, one of test tube with biochar and one without
biochar were taken out from the shaker, filtered and analyze by using AAS. This was
repeated for six hours.
The potassium solution was prepared from the potassium hydroxide (KOH) for 0.1, 0.5,
1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10, 50, 100, 150 ppm by using 100mL volumetric flask and then transferred
the solution into three test tubes as triplicate samples and added with 0.1 g biochar for
each. Another three test tubes were prepared without adding biochar as blank. Control
was done by adding 0.1 g biochar into three test tubes that contained 10mL of deionized
water. As showed in Figure 3.4 (a) and (b)
a) b)
Figure 3.4: (a) Sample with Biochar (b) Sample without biochar
All the test tube were sealed with plastic wrap and put in the water bath shaker
with temperature 25C for 24 hours as in Figure 3.5
21
Figure 3.5: Water Bath Shaker
After 24 hours, the samples then filtered by using filter paper and keep the
biochar. The filtered samples were analyzed their concentration of potassium by AAS.
22
3.4.3 Desorption Study
The biochar in the filter paper was filtered and put in the oven at the temperature
of 105C for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the biochar on the filter paper were rinse with 10
ml distilled water. The collected filtrate used for test potassium adsorbed. These have
been shown at figure 3.7 (a) and (b) below.
(a) (b)
500 ppm of Potassium solution was prepared in volumetric flask. The solution
then divided into three beakers by adjusting to difference pH which were pH 3, 5 and 7
with 0.1M sodium hydroxide and 0.1M nitric acid using dropper. The pH value was
checked by using pH meter. Before used pH meter, it must be calibrate with buffer 4 and
buffer 7 to make sure the reading of pH accurate. Then, distribute the solution in each
beaker to six different test tubes for 10mL each. Three test tubes were added with 0.1g
biochar and other rest as blanks. Brought all the test tubes and put in water bath shaker
with constant temperature 25C for 24 hours. After that filter the solution using filter
23
paper and measured the adsorption of potassium by AAS. This has shown at figure 3.8
(a) and (b) below.
(a) (b)
Figure 3.8: (a) 0.1M of Sodium Hydroxide and 0.1M Nitric Acid (b) Standardising pH
meter
24
CHAPTER 4
4.1 Introduction
This chapter shows all the result recorded for this study. Potassium (K)
adsorption isotherm was carried out to determine the maximum amount of K able to be
adsorbed by oil palm frond (OPF) biochar. The amount of K adsorbed was determined
by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and the data was fitted into Langmuir
Isotherm Model
K adsorption isotherm study studies onto biochar was conducted with variable
parameters as reported below.
This research started with analysis between contact time (hour) and the amount
of K adsorbed. The experiment was conducted for 6 hours with 50 mg/L of K in the initial
samples. Samples were taken every hour and analyzed for K remaining in the solution.
Adsorption of K by OPF biochar only took only one hour to adsorb all the K, beyond that
there was no detectable change (Figure 4.1).
25
This deduced that maximum amount of K was fully adsorbed by the biochar by
an hour. After one hour, there was no longer adsorption of K because the K already fully
adsorb by the biochar.
2
1.8
Amount Adsorbed, mg/g
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Contact Time (Hour)
Figure 4.1: Graph for contact time (hour) against amount of K adsorbed (ppm)
Contact time is one of the most effective factors in batch adsorption process.
Adsorption rate initially increased rapidly, and the optimal removal efficiency was
reached within about 60min. Further increase in contact time did not show significant
change in equilibrium concentration that is, the adsorption phase reached equilibrium.
These results indicated that so far as adsorption kinetics is concerned 24 hours is
enough time to reach a satisfactory equilibrium condition. Our findings agree with the
results of Du et al. (2004) who have reported 24 hour times for achieving steady state
condition in biochar.
26
After completion of contact time experiment against the amount of potassium
adsorbed, the research then proceeds with the effect of initial concentration to the
adsorption of K. The effect of the initial concentration of K adsorbed onto OPF biochar
was studied at different initial concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 200 ppm. The sample
was equilibrated on a horizontal shaker for 24 hours. Then the solution was filtered with
Whatman filter paper and analyze for K by atomic adsorption spectroscopy. Sorbed K
was calculated as the difference between equilibrium solution K concentration and initial
K concentration of solution based on below formula:
27
30
25
Amount K adsorbed, mg/g
20
15
10
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Initial Concentration, K, ppm
Figure 4.2: Graph for Initial Concentration K (mg/L) against Amount K adsorbed (mg/g)
1 1
=( ) + ( )
28
0.12
y = 0.0069x + 0.0017
0.1
R = 0.9798
0.08
Ce/qe
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Ce
From above equation and graph the amount of maximum capacity of the
potassium per unit weight of to form a complete monolayer on the surface (mg/g) can be
determine which is 6.78 mg/g . As shown from R2 value, the adsorption data fitted to
Langmuir equation. This is because the fit value for correlation coefficient is 1. So based
on the result, the R2 value of Langmuir isotherm is fit because the correlation coefficient
is 0.9798 which approximate to 1. The essential characteristics of the Langmuir
isotherms can be expressed in terms of a dimensionless constant separation factor or
equilibrium parameter, RL which is defined as:
Where b is the Langmuir constant and Co is the initial concentration of K. The RL value
indicates the shape of isotherm as shown in table 4.3.1. An isotherm is favorable, if its
fixation capacity grows rapidly with concentration in equilibrium in liquid phase, convex
form. The maximum for a highly favorable isotherm is irreversible adsorption, where the
amount adsorbed does not depend on the decrease in concentration, down to very low
29
values, unlike unfavorable isotherms, which have a low adsorption capacity at low
concentrations in equilibrium, concave forms.
The RL values between 0 and 1 indicate favorable adsorption. The RL were found
to be 0.9101 to 0.0051 for the initial concentrations of 0.1-200 mg/L K, indicating that the
adsorption of K by biochar was favorable.
Table 4.1: Relationship between RL and the type of isotherm (Manoj Kumar, 2013)
Relationship between RL and the type of isotherm
RL Type of Isotherm
RL > 1 Unfavorable
RL = 1 Linear
RL = 0 Irreversible
Desorption studies help in the elucidating the mechanism of metal ion removal
and recovery from metal-loaded adsorbent and also for the regeneration and recycling of
spent adsorbents, which in turn may reduce operational cost and protect the
environment. In order to assess the OPF biochar ability to release the K adsorbed,
desorption was evaluated at varying initial concentration of potassium.
30
Figure 4.4: Bar Chart for an initial concentration mg/g against amount of K desorb mg/g
Figure 4.4 showed that the higher the initial concentration of K loaded in the OPF
Biochar, the higher the amounts of K ion are. The rate of desorption increased with
increasing hydrogen ion or hydroxonium ion concentration. Although complete
desorption were not achieved, it is clear from the results that the amount of K desorb
was depends to the amount of K adsorbed. The data also indicates that desorption is a
time dependent variable. It may be possible to obtain 100% desorption if the initial
concentration is extended.
31
because of the high concentration of OH ions in the adsorption medium and so
adsorption experiments at pH 5 and 7 could not be performed. (Mitra & Prakash, 1956)
16
32
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
This study were to determine the effect of contact time and pH on potassium
adsorption capacity onto biochar and to conduct Langmuir adsorption isotherm test on
OPF biochar in order to determine maximum adsorption capacity of potassium. It also to
study desorption of potassium from biochar by the peat soil. The result obtained from the
isotherm study of different initial concentration then was plotted to Langmuir isotherm
model. It deduced that the Langmuir Model is fitted with isotherm study because the
value of R2 is approximate to 1 which the correlation coefficient is 0.9798. This model
then determined the maximum capacity of K to form a complete monolayer on the
surface (mg/g) which is 6.78 mg/g. Desorption of potassium also has been studied
through bar chart that showed the higher the initial concentration of K loaded in the OPF
Biochar, the higher the amount of metal ion recovered from the OPF Biochar. Although
complete desorption were not achieved, it is clear from the results that the amount of K
desorb was depends to the initial K concentration. Besides, the bar chart has been done
to display the relationship between pH value and amount of K adsorbed. It showed the
maximum adsorption capacity of biochar was found to be at pH 3 compared to pH 5 and
pH 7 due to the weakening of electrostatic force of attraction between the oppositely
charged adsorbate and adsorbent. At pH 5no adsorption occurs might be K preffered to
be solution rather than adsorb the biochar which cause the leachability of K. Overall,
these study conclude that oil palm frond biochar has the potential to prevent the
leachability of potassium from peat soil except for pH further study need to be done to
find the reason behind the K leachability.
33
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