Processing of Latvian peat and waste coffee as a biocomposite material for the oil spill collection

K. Irtiseva¹*, M. Zhylina¹², R. Baumanis¹, J. Kuzmina³, J. Ozolins¹1 and V. Lapkovskis⁴

¹Riga Technical University, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Institute of General Chemical Engineering, Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovations and Development Centre, Pulka street 3, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
²Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Stende Research Centre, LV-3258, Dizstende, Latvia
³Riga Technical University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Scientific Laboratory of Powder Materials and Institute of Aeronautics, Kipsalas street 6B, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
⁴Riga Technical University, Institute of General Chemical Engineering, Riga Technical University, 3/7 Paula Valdena street, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: kristine.irtiseva@rtu.lv

Abstract:

There is a growing interest in adsorbents of natural origin that are renewable, effective, and able to treat water contaminated by oil products. The current paper investigates a novel bio-based ‘peat – spent coffee grounds’ SCG-HP bio-based composite pellets as a perspective adsorbent for spilt oil products. The preparation and characterisation of SCG-HP bio-based composite material in pellet form is described. This research used homogenised peat (HP) as an efficient, natural binder. The SCG in different proportions (from 12 wt% to 50 wt%) with HP were used for the different types of SCG-HP granulated sorbents. The granule size obtained ranged from 2 to 6 mm with a total porosity of 56–61%. The sorption of the test oil (fresh engine oil Pilot 10W-40 SJ/CF) was investigated. Sorption studies showed maximum adsorption (capacity) from 90 to 125 wt% for SCG-HP granules.

Key words:

adsorption, oil spill, peat bio-based composite, spent coffee grounds, sustainable production, waste recycling

Adsorbent potential of cocoa pod husk activated charcoal to remove metals from the Ucayali River

R.M. Lozano-Reátegui¹*, V. Asencios-Tarazona¹, I.O. Ruiz-Yance¹, M.R. Guerrero-Ochoa¹, W. Pinedo-Chambi¹ and M.M. Mendoza-Carlos²

¹National Intercultural University of the Amazon, Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Academic Department of Agro Industrial Engineering, Pucallpa, 25000 Ucayali, Peru
²National Intercultural University of the Amazon, Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Academic Department of Basic Sciences, Pucallpa, 25000 Ucayali, Peru
*Correspondence: rlozanor@unia.edu.pe

Abstract:

The problem of river water contamination due to the presence of dangerous metals for ichthyological flora and fauna and human health has motivated the search for innovative and feasible solutions. Therefore, the production of activated carbon from cocoa pod husks was investigated to eliminate metals present in the Ucayali River. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the manufacturing of the adsorbent and test its effectiveness in removing metals from water using a factorial design of 3³ and 3², with three replicates each. The optimal amount of activated carbon (18.41 g) was obtained from 200 g of fresh cocoa pod husks. It was converted into activated carbon under the following conditions: thermal modification at 100, 150, and 200 °C; activation time of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 h; and pyrolysis and activation at 400, 500, and 600 °C. This allowed the elimination by efficient adsorption of 56.8% Fe²⁺, 68.4% Al³⁺, 65.9% Cu²⁺, and 55.5% Zn²⁺ from Ucayali River, thus demonstrating its adsorbent power. The results will make it possible to manufacture filters to decontaminate water containing heavy metals, thus guaranteeing its consumption.

Key words: