Benzene and Toluene Removal by Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb (Pandan Leaves): Effect of Pretreatment and Drying

Benzene and toluene is typical toxic organic compound that appear very often in
chemical and petrochemical wastewaters. These chemicals are classified as carcinogenic
and mutagenic. Their presence in the environment, usually in wastewater at low
concentration, is a major concern. Various methods could be used in removing these
contaminants which include the fixed bed adsorption method. This study requires the
student to do researches on the methodusing Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb leaves as the
adsorbent to remove organic compounds. This leaves is believed to be feasible in the
removal of the compounds due to its carbon network of the cell wall. The objective of
this research is to see the efficiency of the adsorption process using this leaves. Besides,
to observe the rate of adsorption using the biomass, few pretreatments and drying
methods were applied. Thus, various pretreatment using acids and base are being
performed to study the effect of the pretreatment towards the uptake of the benzene and
toluene. Also, moisture content in the biomass of the fixed bed adsorption column are
analyzed and removed for a much efficient adsorption process. The study was done in a
series of experiments. Samples obtained were analyzed using the Ultraviolet-Visible
Spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GCMS).
Results obtained shows that removals of both benzene and toluene are able to be
accomplished through the process of fixed bed adsorption using Pandanus amaryllifolius
Roxb leaves as adsorbent. Optimum conditions for adsorption to happen were obtained in
this project. Over time, it is observed that these organic compounds decreases as it came
in contact with the biomass. In conclusion, Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb leaves do
adsorb both organic compounds and shows different rate of adsorption after being
pretreated and dried.