Alternative Sources of Fuel: Biogas from Chicken and Pig Dung -A Comparative Approach

This research investigates the efficacy of activated carbon (AC) derived from water hyacinth (WH) for the removal of dissolved organic matter (DOM), specifically oxytetracycline (OTC), from aqueous solutions. Water hyacinth, a prolific aquatic weed, was carbonized and chemically activated with hydrochloric acid to produce a low-cost adsorbent (WHAC). The adsorbent was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which revealed a porous, weave-like structure, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which identified key functional groups. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of operational parameters. Optimal OTC removal was achieved at an adsorbent dose of 0.1 g, pH 5, a contact time of 150 minutes, and a temperature of 60°C. Equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 115.4 mg/g. Kinetic studies confirmed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters (negative ΔG, positive ΔH) revealed that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. The study concludes that activated carbon prepared from water hyacinth is an effective, economical, and eco-friendly adsorbent for removing organic pollutants like oxytetracycline from wastewater, offering a valuable solution for both wastewater treatment and the management of an invasive aquatic species.