Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to test the ability of activated carbon from oil palm fronds
to adsorb mercury ions in Batang Kuantan River. Oil palm fronds were carbonized by
furnace at a temperature of 500oC for 1 hour and activated using NaOH in a ratio of 1:0,
1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 (w/w). Carbon from oil palm frond activated by NaOH 1:4 showed
the best characterization results. The concentration of mercury ion in Batang Kuantan
River in the upstream, middle and downstream parts were 0.635 μg/L, 1.410 μg/L and
1.937 μg/L, respectively. NaOH 1:4 activated oil palm fronds carbon was contacted
with river water for 40 minutes, the mercury ion concentration measured in Batang
Kuantan River water was 0.173 μg/L (upstream), 0.382 μg/L (middle) and 0.527 μg/L
(downstream). The mercury ion adsorption efficiency at each uptake point was 72.76%,
72.81% and 72.94%. Based on the data obtained, the activated carbon from the oil palm
fronds was potentially used as mercury ions adsorbent in the water of the Batang
Kuantan River.
