Recent advances in the preparation of oil palm waste-based adsorbents for removal of environmental pollutants - a review [Kemajuan terkini dalam penyediaan penjerap berasaskan sisa kelapa sawit untuk penyingkiran bahan pencemar alam sekitar - sebuah ulasan]

Abstract

The palm oil industry is an excellent source for huge quantities of highly useful biomass. Utilization of oil palm biomass-based materials for the removal of environmental pollutants appears to be a viable solution in the lights of promoting sustainable development. This article aims to review recent advances in the preparation of adsorbent from different parts of oil palm biomass for the removal of heavy metal and organic environmental pollutants from water. Physical and chemical factors that enhance the applicability of oil palm waste as adsorbents are also discussed. It is clear that each part of the oil palm biomass is potentially applicable as biosorbents for most environmental pollutants and the capability could be further enhanced through modifications in accordance with its intended pollutants. Modifications by chemical treatments such as acidic, basic or drying agent treatments under optimum dosages have been found to have significant effects on the selectivity of the analyte absorption. In general, basic treatment is more suitable for common pollutants such as metals, pesticide and basic dyes. Meanwhile, the acidic treatment is more suitable for non-polar organic pollutants such as phenols. Recent trends in the application of oil palm biomass as biosorbents are also discussed that together open new doors to sustainable development.