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UPSI Digital Repository (UDRep)
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| Abstract : Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris |
| This study investigates the effectiveness of durian tree sawdust (DTS), coconut coir (CC) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) as amendment agents for the remediation of metal contaminated soil. Three main aspects namely characterisation, adsorption and pot experiment were studied. The characterisation study was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectrometer and Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer. The influence of two experimental parameters, namely solution pH and initial metal concentration on adsorption process was assessed in batch experiment. The adsorption behaviour of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) onto DTS, CC and EFB was evaluated using the Langmuir and Freundlich equilibrium isotherm models. Two sets of pot experiment were carried out for 8 weeks at three rates of application, namely 0, 1 and 3% (w/w) to evaluate the ability of amendment agents to immobilise metals in contaminated soil. Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) was used as an indicator in order to assess the effects of amendment agents’ application on metal uptake by plant. The surface morphology of amendment agents changed significantly following interaction with metal. The complexation between metal ions and binding sites of the amendment agents was the main mechanism for adsorption process. The separation factor (RL) and Freundlich constant (n) values suggest that the adsorption process was favourable. The biomass yield of water spinach increased following application of amendment agents. The bioavailability of metal in contaminated soil and accumulation of metal in the plant tissues reduced following treatment. A pronounced effect was obtained for soil treated with coconut coir. Overall, durian tree sawdust, coconut coir and oil palm empty fruit bunch can be utilised as low-cost materials to immobilise metals in contaminated soil. This method could be suggested as an alternative to expensive soil remediation techniques. |
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