Utilization of Sugarcane Pressmud as a Natural Absorbent for Heavy Metal Removal in Leachate Treatment

This study aims to assess the ability of pressmud as an absorbent for heavy metals removal in leachate treatment. Pressmud is an organic waste, produced from sugar manufacturing that contains high amount of water, calcium and silica. The existing compounds of pressmud have potential to become an absorbent for physical-chemical treatment process; especially for heavy metal removal. Heavy metals are in great concern as it has spread and frequently released into the environment. Heavy metals for example zinc, iron, arsenic, cadmium and lead were studied recently as the main component in landfills leachate. The absorbent study was conducted at shaking speed of 200 rpm, 24 h retention time at room temperature, constant pH and various pressmud dosage at 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 20.0 g. The results indicated that the pressmud function to minimize the concentrations of heavy metals approximately 60% of Fe²⁺ (1.8 mg/L) followed by 92% of Mn²⁺ (0.01 mg/L), 76% of Pb²⁺ (0.03 mg/L), 61% of Zn²⁺ (0.86 mg/L), 58% of Cd²⁺ (0.004 mg/L) and 14% of Cr²⁺ (0.13 mg/L). It was found that the best optimum point of removal efficiency was obtained at 10.0 g of pressmud.