Synthesis of Coconut Shell–Derived Charcoal Nanoparticles for the Reduction of Hydrogen Sulfide and Ammonia in Odorous Liquid Waste

Abstract

The use of activated carbon in coconut shells in the form of nanoparticles effectively and optimally can absorb contaminants. The synthesis of CSCNPs is the manufacture of activated charcoal nanoparticles with the use of coconut shells as the main material. Restaurant industry activities often become a trigger for environmental problems in Indonesia because they produce waste containing high levels of ammonia and organic materials, resulting in a strong odor due to incomplete anaerobic decomposition. This study aims to obtain the most effective method of making CSCNPs and the analysis of the most effective addition of  Coconut Shell–Derived Charcoal Nanoparticles (CSCNPs) concentration in reducing the smell of UNESA food court liquid waste  with hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and ammonia (NH₃) parameters. This parameter was chosen because they are both the main chemical indicators of the cause of strong odor pollution (such as rotten eggs and pee smell) that interfere with the environmental comfort of  the UNESA Food Court. The measurement of these two parameters aims to scientifically prove the effectiveness of Coconut Shell Coconut Shell–Derived Charcoal Nanoparticles (CSCNPs) in eliminating odor sources due to the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste. The method used in the synthesis of CSCNPs is the hydrothermal method. Analysis of the effectiveness of CSCNPs in reducing H₂S using the methylene blue method and NH₃ absorption using the phenol method based on UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Data analysis was carried out in a quantitative descriptive manner by calculating the mean value and the standard deviation of the absorbent. In this study, the concentration of CSCNPs which had the highest effectiveness in reducing H₂S gas from 1.173 mg/L to 0.145 mg/L, was at the level of 0.07 g and the absorption of NH₃ from 1.963 mg/L to 0.000 mg/L (in total) was at the level of 0.03 g. In addition, 0.05 g of CSCNPs was able to normalize the degree of acidity of the waste with a sample pH of 8 to 7 (neutral). CSCNPs  has the potential to provide a solution to environmental problems, particularly in reducing unpleasant odors in liquid waste. In future research, it is expected to investigate whether CSCNPs can reduce contaminants using parameters other than H₂S and ammonia as sources of environmental problems.