Activated Bentonite: Low cost adsorbent to reduce mercury in wastewater
Muhammad Naswir, Yusnelti, Desfaur Natalia, Septiarini L, Yudha Gusti Wibowo
Universitas Jambi
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a dangerous metal that give an impact for environment and human health. Mercury is abundant in polluted water such as acid mine drainage, peat water and wastewater in industrial area. This paper will explain how to reduce mercury in wastewater use activated bentonite. Bentonite is a raw local material and abundant in Jambi province. Bentonite has activated using HCl and H3PO4 0.5M. Activated bentonite has identification by X-Ray Diffraction to find the peak of natural bentonite and activated bentonite. Activated bentonite use HCl can adsorb 99,33% and H3PO4 can adsorb 99.96%. Activated bentonite using H3PO4 more efficient than HCl to reduce mercury in wastewater.
Keywords: Bentonite, Activated Bentonite, XRD, Mercury
Topic: Chemical Engineering