Granular Activated Bamboo Charcoal and Silica Gel as Water Treatment Against Microbial Contaminants: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The growing demand for clean and safe water necessitates the investigation of innovative materials that can be utilized in water treatment applications. In this regard, a simple and cost-effective water treatment method was developed to address the water supply problem in rural areas. This study provided knowledge and conducted a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of two main methods for treating microbial contaminants in lake water: granular activated charcoal and silica gel. Furthermore, the experiment was subjected to before and after the application of activated carbon and silica gel. The pre-testing was conducted to identify the initial quantity of microbial contaminants. The preparation methods for bamboo into charcoal are initiated with the following steps: cutting, drying, loading, and sealing the drum kiln, heating, carbonization, cooling, and removing charcoal. Afterward, the bamboo charcoal underwent a chemical process to create activation using potassium hydroxide to generate a large surface area and enhance the adsorption capability. The two treatments were added to the lake water sample via filtration. Moreover, the post-testing involves performing serial dilution and microbial counts to determine the difference between before and after the contaminant's growth. Based on the results, the granular activated carbon is more effective than the silica gel because of its greater adsorption capacity resulting from its extensive pore spaces. This research study contributes significantly to researchers in the field and further advancements in utilizing granular activated carbon and silica gel to ensure clean and sustainable resources.