Physical Characteristics and Oil Sorption Behavior of Fibers from Oil Palm^s Empty Fruit Bunch Spikelet
Alimah Hasyyati Sahda1*, Rais Rahmadi1, Allen Kurniawan1, and Siti Nikmatin2

IPB University

Abstract

This study investigates the physical characteristics and oil sorption behavior of fibers derived from the spikelet of Oil Palm^s Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB). The findings reveal that spikelet fibers possess significant physical properties conducive to oil and grease adsorption, as evidenced by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and contact angle value. The adsorption efficiency achieved by spikelet fibers in removing oils and greases from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) reached an impressive 99%. The flow rate of the influent has a crucial role in determining the adsorption efficiency, with lower flow rates generally yielding higher efficiencies due to prolonged contact times. However, it is noteworthy that the use of spikelet fibers also increased the concentration of Soluble Chemical Oxygen Demand (SCOD), reaching 2855 mg/L. This increment in SCOD can be attributed to the degradation of complex organic matter present in the empty fruit bunches. Overall, this research highlights the dual role of spikelet fibers in oil adsorption and the subsequent impact on water quality, suggesting the need for further investigation into their application in wastewater treatment.

Keywords: Oil and Grease, Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches, Palm Oil Mill Effluent, Spikelet

Topic: Palm Oil Product Diversification in Creative Industries