The Influence of Zeolite on the Level of Mercury (Hg) And Chromium (Cr) in Adsorption Treatment

Abstract

Various chemicals used in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analysis in laboratories produces highly acidic waste containing heavy metals, including mercury and chromium. The goal of this study is to analyze the influence of zeolite on changes in the level of mercury and chromium during adsorption treatment on waste containing heavy metals. The research was carried out with a completely randomized block design. The data was then analyzed using effectiveness formula and Completely Randomized Block Design ANOVA. As many as 50 samples were used in this study. The results showed that zeolite could reduce the level of mercury and chromium, with stirring time and the amount of zeolite used as the most influential factors. When 0.0017 mg l−1 of mercury was used, the environmental quality standard was achieved when 20 grams of zeolite was added, with a stirring time of 180 min. Meanwhile, when 0.4113 mg l−1 of chromium was used, only 5 grams of zeolite was needed, with a stirring time of 180 min, to reach the environmental quality standard for chromium. Variations in the amount of zeolite used and stirring time have a significant effect on the level of mercury and chromium in the waste, at a significance level of 5%.