Addressing Climate Change with Green Technologies: Biomass-Based Remediation of Heavy Metals in Hattar Industrial Estate Wastewater

Abstract

Heavy metals in industrial wastewater, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, pose significant environmental and health risks. This study examines the use of biomass from seasonal fruit and vegetable peels (banana, onion, watermelon, and melon) to reduce heavy metal concentrations in wastewater from Hattar Industrial Estate, specifically from FAG Pharma and Fauji Banaspati. Four samples were prepared with varying biomass quantities and treatment durations: Sample 1 (1g biomass, 6-hour treatment with 3 hours of mixing and 3 hours of resting), Sample 2 (2g biomass, 6-hour treatment with 3 hours of mixing and 3 hours of resting), Sample 3 (1g biomass, 24-hour treatment with 12 hours of mixing and 12 hours of resting), and Sample 4 (2g biomass, 24-hour treatment with 12 hours of mixing and 12 hours of resting). Water quality was assessed using BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, EC, pH, and Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for metal detection. The best results were observed in Sample 4, with 2g of biomass and a 24-hour treatment, showing the greatest reduction in heavy metal concentrations. This approach provides a cost-effective method for treating industrial wastewater.