Scholarly Technical Education Publication Series (STEPS) Vol. 5, 2023

Performance Study and Optimization of Energy Efficiency in a Mosque: Opportunities for Conservation and Cost Reduction

Authors:

    Syahrunizam
    Nor Azura
    Polytechnic Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

    Fauzi
     Polytechnic Sultan Azlan Shah, Perak Malaysia

Abstract

This study introduces an optimization investigation utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to enhance the adsorption capacity of methylene blue (MB) from wastewater generated by the coating industry. The adsorbent of interest in this research is sugarcane bagasse biochar, recognized for its potential in wastewater treatment due to its abundant availability and favourable adsorption characteristics. A Box-Behnken was used to design the experimental matrix, considering factors such as initial dilution factor (3.2 - 20 %), temperature (25 – 40 oC), and contact time (1 – 20 hours). Through the execution of the designed experiments, a predictive model was developed to correlate the significant factors and their interactions with MB removal. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of the produced biochar were investigated through several characterization techniques. The optimization process yielded the following optimum conditions for the adsorption process: a dilution factor of 16.27%, a temperature of 40oC, and a contact time of 1 hour. An in-depth exploration of the physicochemical properties of the produced biochar was conducted, with insights into the functional groups responsible for MB adsorption provided through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the surface morphology and potential binding sites on the biochar, while particle size analysis assessed the difference in particle size before and after pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of optimizing sugarcane bagasse biochar for effective removal of methylene blue from coating industry wastewater. The application of RSM allowed the determination of optimal conditions that enhance adsorption efficiency, while the characterization techniques (FTIR, SEM, and particle size analysis) reveal the properties that guide the adsorption process. This research underscores the potential of utilizing agricultural waste-derived biochar as a sustainable and efficient adsorbent for the treatment of industrial wastewater contaminated with dye pollutants.