Reusable Coconut Waste Derived Adsorbent for Effective Elimination of as (Iii) and Cr (Vi) From Aqueous Solutions

This research explores the use of dried coconut meat, a by-product of coconut milk processing, as a cost-effective and sustainable adsorbent for removing arsenic and chromium from water. Comprehensive characterization revealed that the material contains notable carbon content, relevant surface functional groups, and a specific surface area of 6.97m²/g, indicating its suitability for adsorption applications. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorbent's efficiency under varying conditions. The highest removal efficiency for both metals was achieved at pH 6, with adsorption equilibrium attained after 7 hours. Kinetic studies highlighted that the adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting that the rate-limiting step is likely governed by film diffusion. Additionally, the adsorbent showed strong regeneration potential, retaining much of its adsorption capacity after multiple reuse cycles. The research highlights the environmental and economic advantages of utilizing agricultural waste for water purification, supporting efforts toward sustainable resource use and pollution control. It introduces a novel application of dried coconut meat, a by-product from coconut milk production, effectively turning waste into a valuable resource and aiding in sustainable waste management practices.