Comparative review of the adsorption capacity of heavy metals onto activated bamboo and coconut shell charcoal from aqueous solution / Mary Lourlaine G. Arquero, Nessa Lorraine C. Cañas, Maria Leona L. Centeno, Andrea Nicolle G. Ilagan, Ma. Monina D. Madrid, Hiroko Sakamoto, Marc Joseph M. Tabangay; Adlene Anne Atienza.

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.

Abstract: Heavy metal contamination is one of the most common causes of water pollution. Absorption using charcoal made from agricultural wastes such as bamboo and coconut shell is considered a cost-efficient and safe water treatment because these agricultural wastes are cheaper and fast-grown resources that offer great potential as an alternative to wood. In addition, major active components such as lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose, along with the elements such as ash and carbon of bamboo and coconut shell, contribute to the absorption capacity of the charcoal. By chemical acid treatment, these charcoals were activated to improve their ability to absorb. The researchers collected data from 6 mother journals and 61 supporting journals/articles to know if the two materials were effective in absorbing heavy metals. Through this, the researchers found out that both activated bamboo and coconut shell charcoal are highly efficient absorbent materials in terms of present active components, availability as raw materials, preparation of activated charcoal and laboratory findings. However, heavy metals toxicity levels, associated epidemiology, or statistical treatment were excluded due to limited references. Nevertheless, the researchers accomplished the primary goal of the study, which is to state the similarities and differences of bamboo and coconut shell charcoal in absorbing heavy metals from an aqueous solution.

Thesis - School of Medical Technology