Abstract

Corn cob waste presents a dual role as both a waste product and a potential source of raw material for adsorbent development aimed at heavy metal removal. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing corn cob as an adsorbent through chemical treatment and subsequent characterization. The methodology involved chemical treatment of corn cob waste, elemental composition analysis, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis to assess functional group modifications. The results indicate favorable characteristics of the treated adsorbent, including a moisture content of 6.3%, ash content of 28.7%, volatile matter of 13.9%, and fixed carbon of 51.1%. Elemental analysis revealed notable silicon content of 18 wt.% and carbon content of 32 wt.%. FTIR analysis confirmed modifications in functional groups post-treatment, enhancing adsorbent reactivity towards heavy metal ions. Furthermore, heavy metal concentration reductions post-treatment were observed, with chromium, lead, and copper experiencing substantial percentage removals of 92.7 %, 80 %, and 75 %, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of corn cob waste as a valuable resource for the development of effective adsorbents for heavy metal removal, offering promising prospects for environmental remediation efforts. Further optimization of treatment protocols could enhance the adsorbent's efficiency, making it a viable option for wastewater treatment systems.
Keywords: Corn cob, Heavy metal, Adsorbent, WSP.

Key words: Keywords: Corn cob, Heavy metal, Adsorbent, WSP.