Development of Biosorbent Based on Pineapple Peel Modified with Clove Flowersfor Removal of Heavy Metals and Pathogens in River Water

Water pollution due to rapid industrial growth poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. This study evaluated the potential of pineapple peel modified with clove flower extract as a sustainable and low-cost biosadsorbent for the removal of heavy metals (Cu²+, Mg²+, Ni²+ and Zn²+) and Escherichia coli from river water. Chemical activation using ZnCl2 successfully increased the surface area and number of active sites of the biosadsorbent, while modification with clove flower contributed to the antimicrobial properties through the presence of eugenol compounds. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of major functional groups such as hydroxyl, ester and phenol, while FESEM showed a porous surface before adsorption and the formation of a precipitate layer after adsorption. EDX analysis showed changes in elemental composition after treatment, proving the binding of metal ions to the biosadsorbent surface. The optimum adsorption conditions were achieved at a dosage of 0.6 g, a contact time of 30 min and a pH of 4 with a removal efficiency of Cu²+(76.48–89.84%), Mg²+(70.35–79.88%), Ni²+(45.21–66.29%) and Zn²+ (63.76–68.44%) using AAS. Antimicrobial tests showed a reduction in E. coli colonies from 390 × 10³ CFU/mL to 15 × 10³ CFU/mL at the optimum dosage. The adsorption mechanism involved electrostatic interactions, ion exchange and surface complexation between metal ions and the functional groups of the bioadsorbent. Tests of real samples from Sungai Gong, Sungai Kim Kim and Sungai Langat showed a recovery rate of 89.7–118.6%, proving the potential of biosadsorbents as an effective and environmentally friendly water treatment materials. Overall, this study shows that the pineapple peel bioadsorbent modified with cloves has great potential as an effective and environmentally friendly water treatment material and supports SDG 6 for access to clean water and sanitation.