Heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments, primarily from industrial processes such as mining, electroplating, and battery manufacturing, continues to pose significant environmental and public health risks. Copper (Cu²⁺) and lead (Pb²⁺), in particular, are persistent toxic pollutants that bioaccumulate in ecosystems and threaten human health. Current treatment technologies, including chemical precipitation, membrane filtration, and synthetic adsorbents, face challenges related to cost, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

     Biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of biomass, offers a promising alternative as a low-cost, sustainable adsorbent for water treatment. Its adsorption performance can be significantly enhanced through structural modifications that introduce graphene-like characteristics, resulting in improved surface area, porosity, and functional group availability. Recent innovations have demonstrated that biochar engineered to resemble few-layered graphene structures can exhibit superior removal efficiency for heavy metals in wastewater.

     This research project focused on the the synthesis of few-layered graphene-like activated biochar from nipa palm (Nypa fruticans) husk, an underutilized agricultural byproduct from bioethanol production. The study employed process esinvolving slow pyrolysis, thermochemical activation, and structural enhancement techniques to develop the activated biochar. The final product, aNHB and FLGaNHB (Few-Layered Graphene-like Activated Nipa Husk Biochar), was characterized for its physicochemical properties and evaluated for potential energy and environmental application. To ensure practical applicability and methodological simplicity, activated nipa husk biochar (aNHB) was selected for evaluating its efficiency in removing copper from simulated wastewater.

     By valorizing nipa husk waste into an efficient environmental remediation product, this project addresses key sustainability goals: reducing industrial pollution, promoting circular economy practices, and offering an affordable, scalable solution for water treatment. The expected outputs include a scientific publication and the development of a functional, market-ready biochar product with real-world environmental applications.

 

1. Scientific Publication
A peer-reviewed journal article or conference paper detailing the synthesis, characterization, and application of activated nipa husk biochar for heavy metal removal from wastewater.

2. Product Development
Activated Nipa Husk Biochar (aNHB): A sustainable, cost-effective adsorbent derived from nipa fruit husk, designed for the efficient removal of heavy metals, specifically copper, from wastewater.

3. Environmental Solution
A scalable and eco-friendly method for mitigating heavy metal pollution in wastewater, contributing to cleaner water systems and promoting the reuse of treated wastewater.