Comparative Adsorption Performance of Coconut Coir and Coconut Coir-Derived Activated Carbon toward Chromiums Ions

Authors

  • Athalia Noer Shafa Universitas Garut
  • Nenden Fauziah Universitas Garut

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52434/npcb.v1i2.43288

Keywords:

activated carbon, coconut coir, Cr(VI), Cr(III), cdsorption capacity

Abstract

Chromium contamination in aqueous systems commonly occurs as Cr(VI) and Cr(III), both of which pose environmental risks. This study comparatively evaluates the adsorption performance of raw coconut coir and sulfuric acid-activated carbon derived from coconut coir toward chromium ions. Activated carbon was characterized according to SNI 06-3730-1995 based on moisture and ash content, and adsorption capacity was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry at an initial concentration of 50 ppm and pH 2. Raw coconut coir exhibited no measurable adsorption capacity for either Cr(VI) or Cr(III). In contrast, the activated carbon demonstrated adsorption capacities of 14.677 ± 0.367 mg/g for Cr(VI) and 26.923 ± 0.370 mg/g for Cr(III), with corresponding removal efficiencies of 29.355 ± 0.750% and 53.846 ± 0.739%, respectively. The adsorption capacity for Cr(III) was approximately 1.8 times higher than that for Cr(VI), indicating stronger interactions between cationic chromium species and oxygen-containing functional groups on the activated carbon surface. These findings confirm that sulfuric acid activation substantially enhances the adsorption capability of coconut coir, particularly for Cr(III) removal under acidic conditions.

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Published

2025-11-30

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Natural Product Chemistry Bulletin

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