Development of a fixed bed adsorption column with microwave-activated carbon from coconut (Cocos nucifera) coir for the removal of COD from Calajunan Sanitary Landfill Leachate

Abstract

This study aimed to design, construct, and evaluate a fixed-bed adsorption column using microwave-activated carbon derived from coconut coir to address Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in landfill leachate from the Calajunan Sanitary Landfill. Laboratory experiments determined that a flow rate of 32 ml/min and an adsorbent mass of 3 grams were the most effective for COD removal. In scaled-up operations, a flow rate of 102.04 ml/min and an adsorbent mass of 17.08 grams were used. Linder these conditions, the column achieved a COD removal efficiency of 52.68% after 30 minutes, with Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal reaching 89.77% after 60 minutes. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) removal showed substantial improvements between 30 and 60 minutes, and the pH of the leachate shifted from neutral to alkaline before stabilizing. The study employed adsorption isotherms and kinetic models, with the pseudo-second-order model most accurately describing the adsorption kinetics, indicating that chemical sorption was the primary rate-limiting step. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of microwave-activated carbon from coconut coir in treating landfill leachate and highlight its potential for improved leachate management.