Efficacy of Granular Activated Charcoal and Rice Husk Ash in the Treatment of Agrochemical Runoff

Abstract

The widespread use of pesticides for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes has resulted in the presence of their residues in surface and groundwater resources. This agrochemical water causes a problem in raising crops and ecological damage. In this study, rice husk ash and granular activated charcoal were used to filter water with agrochemicals. The charcoal was granulated using mortar and pestle. Rice husk ash and granular activated charcoal were heated to increase its adsorptive power. After combining, the researchers arranged it into the filter. The agrochemical water was filtered, and change in its acidity was analysed. The initial acidity of the agrochemical water was 5. Before every treatment, the researchers heated the rice husk ash and granular activated charcoal first. For the first treatment, the pH level indicated was 5.75. Then for the second treatment, the pH level indicated was 6.25 and for the final treatment of the agrochemical water the pH level indicated was 6.75. Results showed that the agrochemical wastewater had dropped 1.75-pH level. Therefore, the more the time's water was filtered, the more the chemicals on it were reduced as evident by the decreased in its acidity. The researchers found out that the combination of granular activated charcoal and rice husk ash can be a treatment for agrochemical runoff.