Development of Biofilter Using a Biochar from Pericarp of Durian, Mangosteen, and Banana in Reducing Nickel Concentration in Wastewater

Disposing of agricultural waste like durian husk, mangosteen shell, and banana peel is a global issue, overwhelming landfills and harming the environment. In the Philippines, where these tropical fruits are abundant, mismanagement exacerbates waste problems. However, the physical and chemical properties of these wastes make them ideal for adsorbing heavy metals. This study aimed to convert durian husk, mangosteen shell, and banana peel into biochar and use them as biofilters to reduce nickel concentrations in wastewater. Four filtration treatments were tested: one without biochar and three with different biochar. Results showed that durian husk biochar, mangosteen shell biochar, and banana peel biochar achieved average reduction efficiencies of 93.89%, 88.33%, and 86.11%, respectively. These findings indicate that biochar derived from these agricultural wastes can effectively reduce heavy metal concentrations, offering a sustainable solution to waste management and environmental pollution.