EFFICIENCY OF THE PORTABLE BIOSORBENT CARTRIDGE FILTERFOR THE REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM LABORATORY WASTEWATER

Green engineering is emerging as a critical technology for reducing pollution and minimising environmental risks while maintaining economic efficiency. This study designed and evaluated a portable biosorbent cartridge filter unit (PBCFU) to remove heavy metals from laboratory wastewater using agricultural wastes like rice hull, bagasse, banana peel, oyster shells, and scallop shells. These agricultural wastes were utilised as unmodified and modified to determine the efficiency of the medium. The PBCFU, constructed from a 64-inch steel pipe, was tested with unmodified and modified biosorbents. The modified biosorbents underwent pyrolysis and acid treatment. Synthetic wastewater containing lead, copper, and zinc was treated in 11 ways. Results showed that unmodified rice hull, carbonised rice hull, carbonised bagasse, and oyster shells achieved 100% removal of the metals, meeting regulatory standards. The PBCFU demonstrated adequate adsorption capacity and removal efficiency, making it a viable solution for wastewater treatment.