Implement waste treatment technologies

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 21 views

Analysis of Nickel (Ni) and Copper (Cu) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in Riau Palm Oil Factory Waste (PKS)

Introduction

The Palm Oil Mill (PKS) is one of the significant sources of waste in the industrial world, particularly in terms of heavy metal content and other water quality parameters. In this study, an analysis of nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in wastewater produced by PKS in Riau was conducted. The aim of this study is to investigate the levels of nickel and copper, as well as BOD and COD in PKS waste, and to provide recommendations for waste management to reduce the negative impact on the environment and the surrounding community.

Heavy Metal Analysis: Nickel (Ni) and Copper (Cu)

Nickel and copper are heavy metals that are often found in liquid waste from palm oil mills. These metals can have a significant impact on public health if not managed properly. In this study, the levels of nickel and copper in PKS waste in Riau were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that the total levels and dissolved nickel in PKS liquid waste in Riau were recorded at 0.5277 mg/l and 0.5281 mg/l, while the total and dissolved content of copper was -1.1560 mg/l and -1.1529 mg/l after being carried out after being carried out dilution.

Although the metal content is detected, low value indicates that its impact on public health can be considered insignificant. However, it is essential to note that even low levels of heavy metals can have a cumulative effect on the environment and human health over time. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and manage heavy metal levels in PKS waste to prevent any potential harm.

BOD and COD Analysis

In addition to heavy metal analysis, BOD and COD were also analyzed in this study. BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by microorganisms to degrade organic substances in aerobic conditions. The BOD value does not reflect the actual amount of organic matter, but indicates the amount of oxygen needed for the decomposition process. The analysis results showed the BOD content in two PKS waste samples was 107.07 mg/L and 96.97 mg/L.

On the other hand, COD is a measure of the amount of oxygen needed to oxidize organic material chemically in water. This process is carried out using a strong oxidizing agent in hot and acidic conditions, with silver sulfate (Ag2SO4) as a catalyst. From the results of the analysis, the COD content in the two PKS waste samples is 319.68 mg/L and 322.22 mg/L. These figures indicate that PKS waste has the potential to pollute the environment if not managed properly.

Discussion

The results of this study show that although the levels of nickel and copper in PKS waste in Riau are low and may not have a significant impact on public health, waste management must be considered, especially related to BOD and COD. The measured BOD value indicates a significant presence of organic matter, and COD gives a picture of the level of chemical pollution that occurs.

The high levels of BOD and COD in PKS waste indicate that the waste has the potential to pollute the environment if not managed properly. Therefore, it is essential for PKS managers to carry out appropriate processing to reduce the negative impact on the environment and the surrounding community. This can be achieved through the implementation of waste treatment technologies, such as biological treatment, chemical treatment, or physical treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this analysis shows that although the levels of nickel and copper in PKS waste in Riau are low and may not have a significant impact on public health, waste management must be considered, especially related to BOD and COD. The measured BOD value indicates a significant presence of organic matter, and COD gives a picture of the level of chemical pollution that occurs.

Therefore, it is essential for PKS managers to carry out appropriate processing to reduce the negative impact on the environment and the surrounding community. This can be achieved through the implementation of waste treatment technologies, such as biological treatment, chemical treatment, or physical treatment. By doing so, PKS can minimize its environmental footprint and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Implement waste treatment technologies: PKS managers should implement waste treatment technologies, such as biological treatment, chemical treatment, or physical treatment, to reduce the negative impact on the environment and the surrounding community.
Monitor and manage heavy metal levels: PKS managers should monitor and manage heavy metal levels in PKS waste to prevent any potential harm to the environment and human health.
Implement proper waste disposal practices: PKS managers should implement proper waste disposal practices, such as recycling, composting, or landfilling, to minimize the environmental impact of PKS waste.
Conduct regular environmental monitoring: PKS managers should conduct regular environmental monitoring to ensure that the waste treatment technologies and waste disposal practices are effective in reducing the negative impact on the environment and the surrounding community.

By implementing these recommendations, PKS can minimize its environmental footprint and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nickel (Ni) and Copper (Cu) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in Riau Palm Oil Factory Waste (PKS)

Q: What is the significance of analyzing nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) in PKS waste?

A: Nickel and copper are heavy metals that can have a significant impact on public health if not managed properly. Analyzing these metals in PKS waste helps to determine their levels and potential risks to the environment and human health.

Q: What is the difference between BOD and COD?

A: BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by microorganisms to degrade organic substances in aerobic conditions. COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) is a measure of the amount of oxygen needed to oxidize organic material chemically in water.

Q: What are the implications of high BOD and COD levels in PKS waste?

A: High BOD and COD levels in PKS waste indicate a significant presence of organic matter and chemical pollution. This can lead to environmental pollution, harm to aquatic life, and potential health risks to humans.

Q: What are the recommended waste treatment technologies for PKS waste?

A: The recommended waste treatment technologies for PKS waste include biological treatment, chemical treatment, and physical treatment. These technologies can help to reduce the negative impact on the environment and the surrounding community.

Q: How can PKS managers minimize the environmental footprint of their operations?

A: PKS managers can minimize the environmental footprint of their operations by implementing waste treatment technologies, monitoring and managing heavy metal levels, implementing proper waste disposal practices, and conducting regular environmental monitoring.

Q: What are the potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in PKS waste?

A: The potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in PKS waste include cancer, neurological damage, and reproductive problems. It is essential to monitor and manage heavy metal levels in PKS waste to prevent any potential harm to human health.

Q: How can the community contribute to reducing the environmental impact of PKS waste?

A: The community can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of PKS waste by supporting sustainable practices, reducing waste generation, and promoting recycling and composting.

Q: What are the long-term implications of neglecting waste management in PKS operations?

A: The long-term implications of neglecting waste management in PKS operations include environmental pollution, harm to aquatic life, and potential health risks to humans. It is essential to prioritize waste management and implement effective waste treatment technologies to minimize the negative impact on the environment and the surrounding community.

Q: How can PKS managers ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards?

A: PKS managers can ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards by implementing waste treatment technologies, monitoring and managing heavy metal levels, and conducting regular environmental monitoring. They should also stay up-to-date with changing regulations and standards to ensure that their operations remain compliant.

Q: What are the economic benefits of implementing effective waste management practices in PKS operations?

A: The economic benefits of implementing effective waste management practices in PKS operations include reduced waste disposal costs, increased efficiency, and improved public image. By prioritizing waste management, PKS can minimize its environmental footprint and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.